GenVec Announces New Research at AACR on Selectivity and Mechanism of Action of TNF-Based Anti-Cancer Therapy.

GAITHERSBURG, Md. -- GenVec, Inc. (Nasdaq:GNVC) announced today data from two studies presented at the 97th annual meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) that further support the use of adenovector systems to deliver the gene for tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF[eth]). GenVec's lead product candidate, TNFerade[TM] biologic (TNFerade) is an adenovector, or DNA carrier, which contains the gene for TNF[eth], a potent immune system protein with well-documented anti-cancer effects. TNFerade is currently in a pivotal Phase II/III trial for locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

GenVec researchers presented a poster entitled, "Selective delivery of tumor necrosis factor to disseminated tumors in the peritoneal cavity using targeted adenovirus vectors," (Abstract #3310) which confirmed the ability of its molecularly targeted adenovectors to selectively deliver genes to cancer cells in the peritoneal cavity in several animal models. These data demonstrated the ability of targeted vectors to penetrate tumor tissue and trigger protein expression in a dose dependent manner. This pre-clinical research suggests that tumor selective adenovectors can preferentially deliver the TNF-[eth] gene, and holds promise as a treatment for ovarian cancer.

The mechanism of action of TNF[eth] was the subject of a second poster presentation entitled, "The anti-tumor effects of radio-inducible TNF-alpha gene therapy target host stromal components," (Abstract #1382). In studies conducted at the University of Chicago, TNF-[eth] delivered in an adenovector, in combination with radiation therapy, showed key effects on stromal tissues and blood vessels, both of which are critical components of human solid tumors. These results support the potential of broad activity in many tumor types.

"These results demonstrate two key findings, a potentially important mechanism of action of TNF[eth], and the ability of adenovectors to selectively deliver the TNF[eth] gene to cancer cells," stated C. Richter King, Ph.D., GenVec's Senior Vice President of Research. "These findings support the broad applicability of our core technology for use in the treatment of cancer," added Dr. King.

About GenVec

GenVec, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel gene-based therapeutic drugs and vaccines. Each of the Company's product candidates uses patent-protected technology to deliver genes that produce beneficial proteins. GenVec's lead product, TNFerade[TM] is currently in a pivotal Phase II/III study (PACT) in locally advanced pancreatic cancer; Phase II studies are in progress in rectal cancer and melanoma; and Phase I/II studies are in progress in head and neck cancer. GenVec also uses its proprietary adenovector technology to develop vaccines for infectious diseases including HIV, malaria, foot-and-mouth disease, and seasonal and pandemic flu. Additional information about GenVec is available at www.genvec.com and in the Company's various filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Statements herein relating to future financial or business performance, conditions or strategies and other financial and business matters, including expectations regarding future programs and studies, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. GenVec cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements or historical experience include risks relating to the early stage of GenVec's product candidates under development; uncertainties relating to clinical trials; the timing and content of future U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulatory actions with respect to GenVec, its product candidates, or collaborators, risks relating to the commercialization, if any, of GenVec's proposed product candidates (such as marketing, regulatory, patent, product liability, supply, competition and other risks); dependence on the efforts of third parties; dependence on intellectual property; and risks that we may lack the financial resources and access to capital to fund our operations. Further information on the factors and risks that could affect GenVec's business, financial conditions and results of operations, are contained in GenVec's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which are available at www.sec.gov. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and GenVec assumes no duty to update forward-looking statements.