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OXFORD
BIOMEDICA LICENSES RETROVIRAL EX VIVO GENE DELIVERY TECHNOLOGY TO MOLMED SPA
Oxford, UK – 13 December 2004: Oxford
BioMedica (LSE: OXB) and MolMed SpA (Milan, Italy) today announced a licence
agreement for Oxford BioMedica’s retroviral ex vivo gene delivery technology.
The agreement provides MolMed with rights to utilise this technology in the
development of MolMed’s product pipeline. Under the agreement, Oxford BioMedica
receives an upfront licence fee and annual maintenance payments. In addition,
Oxford BioMedica will receive payments on the achievement of clinical and
regulatory milestones by MolMed and product royalties. Further financial details
were not disclosed.
The retroviral ex vivo gene delivery technology combines Oxford BioMedica’s
technology with some of the gene therapy technology acquired from Chiron
Corporation in June this year.
Oxford BioMedica’s CEO, Professor Alan Kingsman, said: “We are delighted to
welcome MolMed to the list of Oxford BioMedica’s technology licensees. This
agreement provides further evidence of the breadth and strength of our
proprietary gene delivery technology.”
-Ends-
For further information, please contact:
Oxford BioMedica plc:
Professor Alan Kingsman, Chief Executive
Tel: +44 (0)1865 783 000
City/Financial Enquiries:
Lisa Baderoon/ Mark Court/ Mary-Jane Johnson Buchanan Communications
Tel: +44 (0)20 7466 5000
Scientific/Trade Press Enquiries:
Katja Stout/ Ashley Lilly
Northbank Communications
Tel: +44 (0)20 7886 8150
Notes to editors
1. Oxford BioMedica
Oxford BioMedica (LSE: OXB) is a biopharmaceutical company specialising in the
development of novel gene-based therapeutics with a focus on the areas of
oncology and neurotherapy. The Company was established in 1995 as a spin out
from Oxford University, and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
In addition to its technical expertise in gene delivery, Oxford BioMedica has
in-house clinical, regulatory and manufacturing know-how. The development
pipeline includes two novel anti-cancer products in clinical trials; two
neurotherapy products in advanced preclinical development for Parkinson’s
disease and retinopathy; and three further preclinical neurotherapy products.
The Company is underpinned by an extensive preclinical and research portfolio
and over 80 patent families, which represents one of the broadest patent estates
in the field.
The Company has a staff of approx. 65 split between its main facilities in
Oxford and its wholly owned subsidiary, BioMedica Inc, in San Diego, California.
Oxford BioMedica has corporate collaborations with Wyeth, Intervet, Merck & Co,
Amersham, Viragen and Kiadis.
Further information is available at
http://www.oxfordbiomedica.co.uk/
2. MolMed SpA
MolMed is a biotech company focused on the development of innovative therapies
for the treatment of cancer and AIDS. The company is based in Milan (Italy)
within the premier Italian biomedical research institute, the San Raffaele
Biomedical Science Park. MolMed has a diversified and strong pipeline including
two gene therapy products against cancer and AIDS and a cancer vaccination
approach, all in phase I/II clinical trials and based on the company’s core
competences in ex vivo cell manipulation and genetic modification of T
lymphocytes and haematopoietic stem cells. Furthermore, MolMed is developing
vascular targeting agents as new anti-cancer strategy. MolMed has completed
preclinical validation of the lead candidate and will start a phase I clinical
trial in the second half of 2004. MolMed’s products are protected by a strong
intellectual property of 44 patent families which the company either owns or
which it has licensed with exclusive or non-exclusive rights.
Further information is available at
http://www.molmed.com/
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