Oxford BioMedica acquired the HRE from ISIS
Innovation Limited, the technology transfer office of Oxford
University, in April 1997. HRE has the capability to switch
genes on and off in response to levels of oxygen. Originally
developed as part of the cancer treatment programme, scientists
at Oxford BioMedica have been able to extend the utility of
HRE to other areas where the disease-state is associated with
low levels of oxygen. The first significant licencing deal
for the use of HRE was signed in December 1998 with Rhone-Poulenc
Rorer Gencell (RPR) to develop gene therapy products to treat
Coronary Artery Disease and Peripheral Arterial Disease and
was valued at some US $18 million plus royalties on sale of
products.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a major
cause of heart attacks amongst the commonest causes of death
in the developed world. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
is generally a disease of the lower legs in which blood vessels
decay and fail to function. This is common in the elderly
and diabetics, and is a common cause of lower leg amputations.
The products that RPR is developing in collaboration with
Oxford BioMedica seek to replenish blood supply by inducing
the growth and development of new blood vessels through the
introduction of appropriate genes into the leg or heart muscle.
The HRE is designed to regulate this process to ensure that
there is not an excessive amount of new blood vessel growth.
Together, gene therapy treatments for CAD and PAD could command
markets in excess of US $2 billion per year.
Professor Alan Kingsman, Chief Executive
of Oxford BioMedica commented;
"Intellectual property is the lifeblood of
a dynamic rapidly growing technology driven company like Oxford
BioMedica.
"HRE is an extremely valuable asset in our
technology toolbox. We anticipate it forming the basis of
a number of collaborative deals. The granting of the patent
in the US is therefore very important to us in protecting
this asset."
