MediGene Receives New US Patent for Cancer-Killing Viruses

Patent protects herpes simplex viruses (HSV) genetically modified to activate the immune system against tumor cells

16-Mar-2004

Martinsried - San Diego. The German-American biotechnology company MediGene AG (Frankfurt, Prime has received a patent for oncolytic (cancer-killing) viruses from the US Patent and Trademark Office. This patent protects a specific method of eliciting an immune response to tumor cells using genetically modified herpes simplex viruses (HSV). Following in situ infection of tumor cells, modified HSV are expected to trigger the patient's immune system to attack both the tumor as well as distant metastases. This approach represents a second mode of action of MediGene's oncolytic viruses. This patent will supplement MediGene's present HSV patent portfolio that protects methods for the destruction of tumor cells by direct cell killing with HSV that multiply within cancer cells.

Dr. Peter Heinrich, CEO of MediGene AG, comments: "This patent again clearly proves the potential of our HSV technology which we are developing to combat cancer in a variety of ways. Initial clinical trials in which patients have been treated with MediGene's HSV have already led to promising results. The new US patent further extends MediGene's dominant patent position in the area of HSV."

Up to now, MediGene has developed two versions of oncolytic herpes simplex viruses. NV1020 directed against liver metastases from colorectal cancer has successfully completed a phase 1 clinical trial. MediGene is currently preparing a phase 1/2 trial that is expected to begin in 2004. G207 directed against brain tumors (glioma) also has successfully completed a clinical phase 1 while a follow-up phase 1/2 was put on hold in August 2003 for financial reasons. MediGene currently is evaluating the glioma project and is interested in identifying partners for the future development of this promising drug candidate. The new US patent covers herpes simplex viruses that express a specific foreign gene and have been attenuated by genetic modification to make them safe in humans. MediGene's G207 is one such virus and, therefore, is also protected by the new patent.

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/36070/medigene-receives-new-us-patent-for-cancer-killing-viruses.html