Introgen Acquires Rights to New Nanotechnology Systems
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Introgen Therapeutics, Inc. has obtained the exclusive, worldwide license to a portfolio of patents from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center focused on the delivery of biologically active proteins, polypeptides and peptides using novel nanoparticle delivery complexes.
The technology has demonstrated substantial therapeutic efficacy against human lung cancers in animal models. The systemically-delivered nanoparticles are applicable to a wide variety of bioactive protein-derived molecules.
The licensed technology is directed to specially designed nanoparticles that carry and deliver therapeutic bioactive proteins, polypeptides and peptides to targeted cells, such as cancer cells. These nanoparticle formulations have certain therapeutic advantages.
While peptides alone may be rapidly removed from circulation, requiring frequent administration and high doses, Introgen's nanoparticle-polypeptide formulations can increase therapeutic activity and protect against rapid degradation normally associated with peptide therapy.
In addition, Introgen's peptide nanoparticles can include special targeting molecules to further enhance cellular uptake and to improve therapeutic efficacy.
"Acquiring rights to these nanoparticle delivery technologies represents a significant addition to Introgen's drug delivery platforms," said David G. Nance, Introgen's Chief Executive Officer.
"While our existing programs include nanoparticle delivery of tumor suppressor genes, the new technology expands our capabilities to include delivery of therapeutic peptides and polypeptides as well as proteins. We expect these technologies to enable important advances in the targeted delivery of a variety of therapeutic biologics."
Introgen currently has three therapeutic nanoparticle product candidates: INGN 401 (nanoparticle FUS-1), INGN 402 (nanoparticle p53) and INGN 403 (nanoparticle mda-7). INGN 401 is currently in phase 1 clinical testing for metastatic lung cancer.
Introgen Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of targeted molecular therapies for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Introgen is developing molecular therapeutics, immunotherapies, vaccines and nanoparticle therapies to treat a wide range of cancers using tumor suppressors and cytokines.
Introgen holds license agreements with M. D. Anderson Cancer Center to commercialize products based on licensed technologies, and has the option to license future technologies under sponsored research agreements.
