Oxford BioMedica plc, a leading
gene therapy company, has published details of a technique
to improve the safety of an HIV-based gene delivery vector
system allowing gene therapy to be targeted to a wider range
of cell types.
The vector system,
based on the lentivirus HIV Type 1, can target a wider range
of cell types than more commonly used retroviral vectors whose
critical limitation is their inability to transfer genes to
non-dividing cells. These cells are often the focus for therapeutic
strategies. However, the safety of lentivirus based vectors
for clinical use has until now been a major challenge.
The new system addresses this
by offering an improved safety profile. The scientific team
has successfully removed a number of 'accessory genes' from
the vector system, whilst maintaining the vector's ability
to transduce cells. The result is a 'minimal vector system'
which should reduce unwanted side effects when used in the
clinic. The results are published this month in the Journal
of Virology.
Professor Alan Kingsman, Oxford
BioMedica's Chief Executive commented, "We have developed
a technique to produce what we believe will be one of the
safest HIV-based gene delivery systems available. In addition
we can apply the same principles to other non-HIV viruses
which we can develop for a number of therapeutic areas."
The new technology is likely
to be used in conjunction with the Company's ImmStat(CO)T
series of products for AIDS therapy, which includes a range
of proprietary therapeutic genes that code for multi-target
molecules capable of inhibiting virus replication. The new
gene delivery technology further strengthens Oxford BioMedica's
position as a leader in the development of gene-based therapeutics.
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. For further details on the novel HIV-based
gene delivery vector, please refer to: V. Narry Kim, K. Mitrophanous,
S.M. Kingsman, A.J. Kingsman, Journal of Virology 72
(1), January 1998.
