Update on Glaucoma-GT

RNS Number : 2020I

Oxford Biomedica PLC

01 July 2013

 

Oxford BioMedica Announces Update on Glaucoma-GT

-- Pre-clinical collaboration with Mayo Clinic on track --

Oxford, UK - 1 July 2013: Oxford BioMedica ("Oxford BioMedica" or "the Company") (LSE: OXB), the leading gene-based biopharmaceutical company, today announces an update on Glaucoma-GT, a novel gene-based therapy for the treatment of uncontrolled chronic glaucoma.  In collaboration with Mayo Clinic, Rochester (USA), Oxford BioMedica is conducting pre-clinical studies to establish the feasibility of treating glaucoma using its proprietary LentiVector^® gene delivery technology expressing a COX-2 gene and a PGF-2α receptor gene in order to reduce intraocular pressure.

Over the past 18 months, Oxford BioMedica has successfully completed initial pre-clinical studies to demonstrate that the LentiVector^® platform is both well-tolerated at high vector dose and transduces suitable target cells following transcorneal injection into the front of the eye.  In January 2013, the Company decided to evaluate a more translational glaucoma model in order to maximise proof of concept data.  Results from this new pre-clinical model have shown:

·      Successful transduction of target cells following transcorneal delivery to the front of the eye

·      Favourable safety profile at highest vector dose

·      Long-term gene expression out to furthest time point studied (five months)

Oxford BioMedica now plans to initiate its first pre-clinical efficacy study which will evaluate, amongst other measures, the lowering of intraocular pressure.  The Company continues to move Glaucoma-GT towards future clinical development, furthering its growing ophthalmology portfolio.

John Dawson, Chief Executive Officer of Oxford BioMedica, said: "Pre-clinical and clinical data in a variety of indications suggest that a single application of our LentiVector^® platform products can provide sustained or permanent therapeutic activity. There remains a large unmet medical need in a significant proportion of the glaucoma patient population and, by providing long-term control of intraocular pressure, this approach could minimise the risk of disease progression."

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For further information, please contact:
Oxford BioMedica plc: Lara Mott, Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications	Tel: [phone]
Media Enquiries: Mary-Jane Elliott/Sarah Macleod/Matthew Neal M:Communications	Tel: [phone]

Notes to editors

1. About Oxford BioMedica^®

Oxford BioMedica plc (LSE: OXB) is a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative gene-based medicines and therapeutic vaccines that aim to improve the lives of patients with high unmet medical needs. The Company's technology platform includes a highly efficient LentiVector^® gene delivery system, which has specific advantages for targeting diseases of the central nervous system and the eye; and a unique tumour antigen (5T4), which is an ideal target for anti-cancer therapy. Through in-house and collaborative research, Oxford BioMedica 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. Further information is available at www.oxfordbiomedica.co.uk and www.oxbsolutions.co.uk.

2. LentiVector^® gene delivery technology

Oxford BioMedica's LentiVector^® gene delivery technology is one of the most advanced gene delivery systems currently available, which has many applications in product development and discovery research.  It is the system of choice for gene-based treatments addressing chronic and inherited diseases.  Oxford BioMedica has established a dominant intellectual property estate in the field of lentiviral-vector mediated gene delivery through its in-house research and from work conducted by the Company's co-founders at Oxford University.

3. About Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit worldwide leader in medical care, research and education for people from all walks of life. For more information, visit MayoClinic.com or MayoClinic.org/news.

 

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