OXFORD
BIOMEDICA
Oxford Biomedica Acquires Novel Therapeutic Genes for Treatment
of Cancer and Other Diseases
Oxford,
UK - 2 May: Oxford BioMedica announced today that it has signed
an agreement with the UK Microbiological Research Authority
Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research (CAMR) granting
BioMedica exclusive rights to a series of novel genes isolated
by CAMR scientists.
The genes
encode a family of enzymes known as nitroreductases which
can be used in enzyme/prodrug activation, a potent gene therapy
strategy. A prodrug is a compound that is taken in an inactive
form. After administration to a patient, it can be converted
into an active, often very powerful drug.
Using
BioMedica's proprietary gene delivery systems, nitroreductase
genes can be delivered to the site where therapy is needed.
The nitroreductase enzyme encoded by the gene then converts
a prodrug in the target tissue into an active form that mediates
the therapeutic effect.
This approach
means that the active drug is only present in high concentration
in the tissue where it is needed. This maximises the efficacy
of the drug and minimises adverse side effects. Diseases such
as cancer, heart disease and arthritis may be treated in this
way using gene therapy.
The agreement
between BioMedica and CAMR gives BioMedica exclusive rights
to a number of genes in return for research funding, an up-front
fee, milestones and royalties on future revenues.
Commenting
on the agreement BioMedica's Chief Executive, Prof. Alan Kingsman
said:
"This is an excellent deal that complements our existing
strengths in enzyme prodrug therapy. The CAMR team has done
a magnificent job in isolating and characterising these enzymes
and their genes. These CAMR nitroreductases are the most active
of their kind that are available. They are many times more
potent than other enzymes that have been used before and we
anticipate taking them into clinical trials very quickly."
Dr Roger
Gilmour, Chief Executive of CAMR said:
"Oxford BioMedica is the UK's premier gene therapy company,
and we are delighted to have them as partners for this important
technology, given their proven expertise in the clinical development
of gene-based enzyme/prodrug activation therapies."
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