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MediGene AG Upgrades Patent Portfolio in the Field of Cancer-Killing Viruses (Oncolytic HSV)


WEBWIRE

Martinsried/Munich, November 17, 2006. The biotech company MediGene AG (Frankfurt, Prime Standard: MDG) announced today that the European Patent Office has granted a patent on oncolytic viruses that introduce a cytokine or another immune modulator into tumor cells. In addition to their direct tumor-killing properties, oncolytic HSV also show an immune stimulatory effect which significantly enhances the treatment’s efficacy. This effect should be even intensified by virus-induced release of cytokines. The patent bearing the number EP 1003533B1 was licensed from Georgetown University, Washington DC. An analogous patent protection for the USA has been applied for.
MediGene is developing two strains of oncolytic herpes simplex viruses (HSV). They are designed to selectively multiply in tumor cells, thus destroying the tumor (oncolysis), whereby fewer side effects are expected than in conventional therapies. The NV1020 strain is currently undergoing a clinical phase I/II trial for the treatment of liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma, conducted in a number of oncological centers in the USA. The first positive data regarding efficacy and safety have been published recently. Another strain, G207, is being examined in a clinical phase I trial for the treatment of malignant brain tumors (glioblastoma).
“The newly granted patent adds another element to our comprehensive patent portfolio for the HSV technology, providing long-term protection for future developments of the current viruses”, Dr. Peter Heinrich, Chief Executive Officer of MediGene AG, explains.
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent the judgment of MediGene as of the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are no guarantees for future performance, and the forward-looking events discussed in this press release may not occur. MediGene disclaims any intent or obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements. MediGeneTM is a trademarks of MediGene AG.
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MediGene AG is a publicly quoted (Frankfurt: Prime Standard: MDG) biotechnology company located in Martinsried/Munich, Germany, with subsidiaries in Oxford, UK and San Diego, USA. MediGene is the first German biotech company with a drug on the market. A second drug, Polyphenon® E Ointment, has been approved by the FDA. In addition, several drug candidates are currently in clinical development. MediGene also possesses innovative platform technologies. The company’s core competence lies in research and development of novel approaches in anti cancer therapies. Thus MediGene focuses on indications of high medical need and great economic opportunities.



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