April 7, 1998 - Collaboration On Combining Radiotherapy With Novel Gene Constructs Aimed At Enhanced Therapy Techniques, New Products for Fighting Cancer
Varian Biosynergy, Inc., a subsidiary of Varian Associates, Palo Alto, California and GenVec, Inc., Rockville, Maryland today announced the signing of a development agreement to jointly exploit the potential of combining advances in targeted radiation with gene therapy in the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
The cooperative agreement envisions specific, joint collaboration on both preclinical and clinical research and development projects. Under the arrangement, Varian will have primary responsibility for development of equipment and software for delivery of targeted radiation therapy, while GenVec will have primary responsibility for developing gene-based pharmaceutical products. Varian and GenVec each retain the right to develop and commercialize their respective products and technologies independently or with third parties.
"This agreement marks a significant milestone towards our goal of developing novel, improved therapies by precision delivery of radiation energy combined with gene therapy products to produce new therapeutic approaches with significantly enhanced efficacy against a variety of diseases," said Dr. Robert Sutherland, president of Varian Biosynergy. "The partnership is designed to optimize the potential of both companies to develop commercial applications for their respective proprietary technologies."
Dr. Paul Fischer, GenVec's president and chief executive officer, said "Radiation can be administered to trigger the activity of therapeutic genes in a precise, controlled manner and, at the same time, enhance the effectiveness of the combined therapy. We look forward to the considerable promise in working with Varian, the recognized leader in the field of radiation therapy."
Fischer noted that GenVec has a portfolio of patents pertaining to gene expression technology whereby the in vivo production of therapeutic proteins by gene transfer techniques is increased following exposure to radiation.
Varian Associates, Inc., is the world's leading manufacturer of medical linear accelerators and related radiotherapy products for the treatment of cancer. The more than 3,500 Varian systems in place around the world treat over one million patients annually. Varian is also the premier manufacturer of x-ray tubes used in CT scanners and mammography and other medical imaging systems. A diversified, high technology company with annual sales of $1.4 billion, Varian has core businesses in health care systems, analytical and research instruments, and semiconductor production equipment.
GenVec is a privately held biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative gene-based therapies. The company combines its core gene transfer technologies with proprietary therapeutic genes to create product opportunities addressing major unmet medical needs. GenVec's therapeutic programs are in the areas of cardiovascular disease, including the treatment of ischemia and restenosis, cancer, and neurological disorders. |
