OXFORD
BIOMEDICA
ANNOUNCES INTERACTION WITH RHONE-POULENC
RORER
Agreement is signed with leading pharmaceutical
company
Oxford BioMedica
plc announced today that it has signed an agreement with Rhone-Poulenc
Rorer, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rhone-Poulenc S.A. (NYSE:RP),
to undertake a collaborative research feasibility study. The
research will investigate the use of Oxford BioMedica's novel
lentiviral vector systems in Rhone-Poulenc Rorer's functional
genomics programme. Rhone-Poulenc Rorer will exploit the ability
of this new generation of vectors to transfer genes to certain
non-dividing tissues.
Professor Alan Kingsman, Oxford BioMedica's Chief Executive,
commented: "We are delighted that Rhone-Poulenc Rorer has
chosen to evaluate our new vectors for its genomics programme.
We believe this is a powerful endorsement of Oxford BioMedica's
technical strength and emphasises the importance of our new
gene delivery systems."
Dr Neill MacKenzie, Business
Development Director, added: "This deal adds weight to our
belief that the lentiviral vector technology has enormous
commercial potential. Rhone-Poulenc Rorer is the first company
to gain access to these vectors from Oxford BioMedica. We
are in discussion with several other companies in relation
to this technology."
Notes to Editors:
1. Oxford
BioMedica, established in 1995, specialises in the development
and application of gene-based therapeutics using advanced retroviral
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. Rhone-Poulenc Rorer
is a global pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving
human health. |
