Well, there is always a first time. The StarGen product is based on their LentiVector® gene delivery technology and many big guns have and want licenses to it. As always, the trials will determine outcome.
Current partners and licensees
Oxford BioMedica has established several partnerships and licensing agreements for its products and technologies, including:
Sanofi-aventis
Oxford BioMedica is collaborating with sanofi-aventis to develop novel gene-based medicines utilising Oxford BioMedica’s LentiVector gene delivery technology for the treatment of ocular diseases. The collaboration includes four pre-clinical products: RetinoStat® for wet age-related macular degeneration; StarGen™ for Stargardt disease; UshStat® for Usher syndrome 1B; and EncorStat® for corneal graft rejection. Oxford BioMedica is responsible for pre-clinical development and conducting initial Phase I/II studies. Under the development plan, the companies aim to advance the products into Phase I/II development during 2011.
en.sanofi-aventis.com
Pfizer
Oxford BioMedica has licensed the rights to develop and commercialise monoclonal antibodies targeting its 5T4 tumour antigen to Wyeth in 2001. The agreement is potentially worth US$24 million plus royalties on product sales, and the next milestone payment is triggered by the start of clinical trials. Following Pfizer’s acquisition of Wyeth in 2009 and subsequent portfolio review, Pfizer is progressing preclinical development of a 5T4-targeted antibody for the treatment of cancer.
www.pfizer.com
MolMed
Oxford BioMedica has licensed its retroviral ex vivo gene delivery technology to Milan-based biotechnology company, MolMed. MolMed is utilising the technology in its TK therapy for the prevention of transplant rejection in patients with acute leukaemia receiving haematopoietic stem cell transplantation from a partially compatible family donor. MolMed is conducting a Phase III trial of the TK therapy.
Sigma-Aldrich
Oxford BioMedica has a strategic alliance with Sigma-Aldrich for the development and marketing of research products based on Oxford BioMedica’s LentiVector® gene delivery technology.
www.sigmaaldrich.com
Virxsys
Oxford BioMedica has licensed its VSV-G viral envelope technology to VIRxSYS Corporation. VIRxSYS is utilising the technology in the production process of its anti-HIV/AIDS product, VRX496, which is in Phase II development.
www.virxsys.com
Biogen Idec
Oxford BioMedica has granted a non-exclusive licence to its LentiVector® gene delivery technology for use in research to Biogen Idec.
www.biogenidec.com
GlaxoSmithKline
Oxford BioMedica has granted a non-exclusive licence to its LentiVector® gene delivery technology for use in research to GlaxoSmithKline.
www.gsk.com
Merck & Co
Oxford BioMedica has granted a non-exclusive licence to its LentiVector® gene delivery technology for use in research to Merck & Co.
www.merck.com
Pfizer
Oxford BioMedica has granted a non-exclusive licence to its LentiVector® gene delivery technology for use in research to Pfizer.
www.pfizer.com
