Vical receives payment for cardiovascular gene delivery applications
Vical has received a $1.2m milestone payment from Gencell SAS, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aventis Pharma SA, under the companies' license agreement for certain cardiovascular applications of Vical's patented DNA delivery technology.
Vical has received a $1.2m milestone payment from Gencell SAS, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aventis Pharma SA, under the companies' license agreement for certain cardiovascular applications of Vical's patented DNA delivery technology.
Under the agreement, established in June 2000, Gencell is developing plasmid-based delivery of Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 (FGF-1) as a potential treatment for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), and other indications characterised by blood vessel blockage.
'We are pleased that our partners at Gencell continue to progress with the development of this novel application of our technology,' said Vijay B. Samant, Vical's president and ceo. 'Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the US, and the need for new treatment options is significant.'
About Peripheral Arterial Disease
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), also known as atherosclerosis, affects an estimated 10-20m patients in the US, often with no outward symptoms until the disease has advanced significantly. The disease is characterised by thickening of the arterial walls and buildup of plaque deposits inside the arteries. PAD typically affects the major blood vessels feeding the arms, legs, or various organs in the abdomen. Risk factors for the disease include tobacco use, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, age, and obesity. Diabetes is also a major risk factor. Plaque deposits or blood clots in an affected artery can break loose and travel to a narrowed portion of a blood vessel and completely block blood flow, causing damage to the downstream organs. Heart attack is the most common cause of death among PAD patients. Prevention of PAD relies on elimination or reduction of risk factors. Treatment options include blood thinners, pain relievers, and medications that expand the blood vessels. More advanced cases may require bypass surgery, balloon angioplasty to expand the blood vessels, and/or insertion of stents that hold the blood vessels open. The use of the FGF-1 plasmid-based therapeutic is intended to promote the growth of new blood vessels locally, near the site of injection, to provide alternate routes for blood flow to the affected extremities.