Oxford BioMedica signs LentiVector agreement with GSK
For the development of six product candidates targeting rare orphan diseases
Oxford BioMedica, a UK-based gene-based biopharmaceutical company, has signed an option agreement with GlaxoSmithKline which grants the drug manufacturer an option to a non-exclusive licence under Oxford BioMedica's LentiVector platform technology patents for the development and commercialisation of up to six product candidates targeting rare orphan diseases.
Financial terms have not been disclosed.
In 2006, Oxford BioMedica granted GSK a non-exclusive licence to its LentiVector platform technology patents for research purposes.
John Dawson, Chief Executive of Oxford BioMedica, said: 'With a diverse pipeline of product candidates and a world-class reputation, GSK is a strong licensee of our LentiVector platform technology patents.'
Oxford BioMedica's LentiVector gene delivery system is said to have specific advantages for targeting diseases of the central nervous system and the eye.
Through in-house and collaborative research, the firm has a broad pipeline with current partners and licensees including Sanofi, Pfizer, Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, MolMed, Sigma-Aldrich, Biogen Idec, Emergent BioSolutions, ImaginAb and Immune Design Corp.