OXFORD
BIOMEDICA
APPOINTS BEESON GREGORY AS NEW ADVISERS
AND BROKERS
Oxford BioMedica plc, the UK
gene therapy company floated on AIM last December, announced
today, 19 November 1997, that they have appointed Beeson Gregory
as their nominated adviser and broker, replacing Teather &
Greenwood with immediate effect.
Oxford BioMedica's first clinical trial, using a novel gene
therapy for breast cancer, is expected to commence late 1998,
one year ahead of its initial schedule. Cancer is one of the
key therapeutic indications for gene therapy products. Commenting
on the appointment, Professor Alan Kingsman, Oxford BioMedica's
Chief Executive, said:
"Beeson Gregory's expertise
will be vital to Oxford BioMedica as we seek to build on the
milestones achieved since flotation."
Oxford BioMedica has expertise
and proprietary technology in the areas relevant to the development
of clinically significant and commercially viable therapeutics.
Oxford BioMedica's key targets are oncology, infectious disease,
neurodegenerative disease and genetic deficiency.
Since its flotation in December
1996 the Company has achieved the following milestones:
- The establishment of new
custom built laboratories and offices in Oxford
- The recruitment of 27 staff
since January 1997 of which eighteen have PhDs
- Completion of 15 new contracts
to collaborate with senior university based researchers
- 12 new patent applications
- Awarded approximately £375,000
in government grants
- In discussion with a significant
number of companies world-wide in relation to potential
collaborations
Notes to Editors:
1. Oxford BioMedica, established
in 1995, 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,
neurobiology and genetic deficiency. Oxford BioMedica plc was
floated on the UK Alternative Investment Market of the London
Stock Exchange in December 1996.
2. The Company's first clinical
trial will evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of
a novel gene therapy for breast cancer. A maximum of twenty
patients will be involved and recruitment will begin in the
fourth quarter of 1998. It is expected that the trial will
be conducted at the Institute of Molecular Medicine in Oxford
and initial results should be available mid 1999.
3. Beeson Gregory is an independent
UK corporate finance and broking house exclusively dedicated
to serving entrepreneurial and growing companies |
