OXFORD BIOMEDICA

Oxford Biomedica Announces Successful Developments in MacroGen™ Cancer Therapy

Oxford BioMedica reports favourable preclinical results from its MacroGenT programme in the current issue of the scientific publication, Gene Therapy.

The article describes the successful use of human macrophages, a cell type from the immune system, to selectively deliver anti-cancer genes to solid tumours in vitro. These results represent the first example of using macrophages as a targeting system to selectively deliver therapies to regions of low oxygen found in tumours.

Macrophages are naturally attracted to tissues that have low concentrations of oxygen and Oxford BioMedica has been exploiting this feature. In this case, the macrophage targets the poorly oxygenated regions of tumours and delivers anti-cancer genes where they are required. The anti-cancer gene is then switched on using BioMedica's proprietary hypoxia response element, a piece of DNA that triggers the activation of genes in response to low oxygen concentrations. In preclinical models, this results in the tumour being destroyed. This targeted approach could result in a cancer therapy with substantially reduced side effects.

The anti-cancer gene that the Company is using is also present in its MetXia-P450 product, which is currently in Phase I/II clinical trials for breast cancer.

Commenting on the results, BioMedica's Chief Executive, Prof. Alan Kingsman, said:
"These results show that cell-mediated targeting may be feasible as a treatment for diseases associated with reduced oxygen levels, including cancer and cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis. We have some way to go before this approach reaches the clinic. However, our recently announced collaboration with IDM to jointly develop cell-based therapies could accelerate the product development process."

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Notes to Editors

1. Oxford BioMedica plc
   Established in 1995, the Company specialises in the development and application of gene-based therapeutics using advanced gene delivery technologies for the treatment of disease in the areas of oncology, viral infection and neurodegenerative disease. Oxford BioMedica plc was floated on the UK Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange in December 1996.
2. MetXia-P450
   Oxford BioMedica's product, MeXia-P450 is currently in phase I/II trials to treat late-stage breast cancer. The treatment delivers a gene to tumour tissue which enhances the effectiveness of the established chemotherapeutic drug, cyclophosphamide.
3. Collaboration with IDM
   On 20 January 2000 Oxford BioMedica announced a collaboration with the French biotechnology company IDM S.A. to jointly develop cell-based therapies - a powerful approach to fighting diseases, including cancer, that uses cells from a patient's own immune system. It works by removing cells from a patient, manipulating them to increase their immune potential, and re-introducing them to the patient.
   The collaboration with IDM brings together Oxford BioMedica's advanced gene-based systems including MacroGenT with IDM's proprietary cell processors, which are currently being used by IDM in clinical trials. The combination of these two leading technologies is expected to drive innovative cell-based therapies against cancer and other diseases rapidly into clinical development.
4. Research paper
   To read the original research paper, please see Gene Therapy (Volume 7 Issue 3pages 255-262) or go to www.stockton-press.co.uk/gt

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