6th Jun 2005 07:00
Oxford Biomedica PLC06 June 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6 JUNE 2005 OXFORD BIOMEDICA SIGNS LENTIVECTOR(R) LICENSING AGREEMENT WITH PFIZER Oxford, UK: 6 June 2005 - Oxford BioMedica (LSE: OXB), the leading gene therapycompany, announced today that it has signed a licence agreement for itsLentiVector technology with Pfizer (NYSE: PFE). The agreement provides Pfizerwith use of the Company's proprietary LentiVector gene delivery system forresearch activities. Under the terms of the agreement, Oxford BioMedica willreceive an upfront licence payment and an annual maintenance fee. Furtherfinancial details were not disclosed. Oxford BioMedica's lentivirus-based gene delivery technology, known asLentiVector, is one of the most powerful technologies for the delivery of genesto a wide range of cell and tissue types. The LentiVector technology hasapplications both in therapeutic products and as a drug discovery tool fortarget validation and the creation of targeted disease models. It has also beenshown to enhance the efficiency of making transgenic birds and mammals. OxfordBioMedica has a comprehensive portfolio of US and European patents that coverthe LentiVector technology. Commenting on the news Oxford BioMedica's Senior Vice President CommercialDevelopment, Peter Nolan, said: "We are delighted to add Pfizer to our list oflicensees for the LentiVector technology The versatility and safety oflentiviral vectors make them the system of choice for gene target validation inthe drug discovery process as well as for the direct therapeutic applications inneurotherapy that Oxford BioMedica is pursuing. An increasing number ofcompanies are using the LentiVector technology and we expect to establish anumber of new partnerships around the technology". -Ends- For further information, please contact:Oxford BioMedica plc: Tel: +44 (0)1865 783 000Professor Alan Kingsman, Chief ExecutivePeter Nolan, SVP Commercial Development City/Financial Enquiries:Lisa Baderoon/ Mark Court/ Mary-Jane JohnsonBuchanan Communications Tel: +44 (0)20 7466 5000 Scientific/Trade Press Enquiries:Sue Charles/ Katja Stout/ Ashley LillyNorthbank Communications Tel: +44 (0)20 7886 8150 Notes to editors 1. Oxford BioMedicaOxford BioMedica (LSE: OXB) is a biopharmaceutical company specialising in thedevelopment of novel gene-based therapeutics with a focus on the areas ofoncology and neurotherapy. The Company was established in 1995 as a spin outfrom Oxford University, and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. Oxford BioMedica has core expertise in gene delivery, as well as in-houseclinical, regulatory and manufacturing know-how. In oncology, the pipelineincludes an immunotherapy and a gene therapy in multiple Phase II trials, and apreclinical targeted antibody therapy in collaboration with Wyeth. Inneurotherapy, the Company's lead product is a gene therapy for Parkinson'sdisease, which is expected to enter clinical trials in early 2006, and fourfurther preclinical candidates. The Company is underpinned by over 80 patentfamilies, which represent one of the broadest patent estates in the field. The Company has a staff of approximately 65 split between its main facilities inOxford and its wholly owned subsidiary, BioMedica Inc, in San Diego, California.Oxford BioMedica has corporate collaborations with Wyeth, Intervet, Amersham,Viragen, MolMed and Kiadis; and has licensed technology to a number of companiesincluding Merck & Co and Biogen Idec.Further information is available at http://www.oxfordbiomedica.co.uk 2. LentiVector technologyOxford BioMedica's LentiVector gene delivery technology, based on lentiviruses,is arguably the most potent system currently available for treating a range ofdiseases, particularly those of the central nervous system. Oxford BioMedica hasshown that its lentiviral vectors are able to deliver genes with high efficiencyto a variety of both dividing and non-dividing cells, including neurons in thebrain. Oxford BioMedica has three issued US patents and a European patent for itsLentiVector technology. These include broad composition of matter claims andmethods of production claims for lentiviral vector gene delivery systems of bothhuman and non-human origin. The patents also cover derivatives of lentiviralvector systems that, unlike many versions of lentiviral vectors, have realclinical utility because of their safety. The Company has established a neurotherapy pipeline of product candidates basedon its LentiVector technology, which includes ProSavin(R) for Parkinson'sdisease, RetinoStat(R) for retinopathy, MoNudin(R) for motor neuron disease,SMN1-G for spinal muscular atrophy and Innurex(R) for nerve repair. Currentlicensees of the LentiVector technology include Merck & Co and Biogen Idec. 3. PfizerPfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE) discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets leadingprescription medicines for humans and animals and many of the world's best-knownconsumer brands. Pfizer's innovative, value-added products improve the qualityof life of people around the world and help them enjoy longer, healthier, andmore productive lives. The company has three business segments: health care,animal health and consumer health care. Pfizer's products are available in morethan 150 countries. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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