Therion Biologics obtains rights to Biogen Idec LFA-3.Therion Biologics Corporation (Cambridge, MA) has licensed from Biogen Idec, Inc. (Cambridge, MA) patent rights relating to Lymphocyte lymphocyte: see blood; immunity. lymphocyte Type of leukocyte fundamental to the immune system, regulating and participating in acquired immunity. Each has receptor molecules on its surface that bind to a specific antigen. Function Associated Antigen-3 (LFA-3). LFA-3 isa component of TRICOM TRICOM Transportation Research Implementation Consortium for Operations and Management , Therion's co-stimulatory system for optimizingimmune response against tumor cells. TRICOM is an integral component ofTherion's proprietary lead cancer vaccine candidates, PROSTVAC-VF and PANVAC-VF, currently in clinical investigation for the treatment ofmetastatic prostate cancer prostate cancer, cancer originating in the prostate gland. Prostate cancer is the leading malignancy in men in the United States and is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in men. and pancreatic cancer pancreatic cancer Malignant tumour of the pancreas. Risk factors include smoking, a diet high in fat, exposure to certain industrial products, and diseases such as diabetes and chronic pancreatitis. Pancreatic cancer is more common in men. , respectively. "The addition of the LFA-3 patent rights to our intellectual property portfolio strengthens our proprietary position as we advance our lead product candidates, both of which incorporate TRICOM, towards product commercialization," said Mark Leuchtenberger, President and Chief Executive Officer of Therion Biologics. "Therion is delivering on its commercialization strategy, having recently begun a Phase II clinical trial Noun 1. phase II clinical trial - a clinical trial on more persons than in phase I; intended to evaluate the efficacy of a treatment for the condition it is intended to treat; possible side effects are monitored phase II with PROSTVAC-VF in prostate cancer and planning to begin a Phase II trial with PANVAC-VF in pancreatic cancer in early 2004." Under the terms of this agreement, Therion gains a non-exclusive license under the LFA-3 patent rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize oncology product candidates incorporating the LFA-3 co- stimulatory molecule. In return, Therion will pay Biogen Idec an upfront licensing fee, as well as milestone payments and royalties based on potential product sales. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. TRICOM, which stands for a TRIad of CO-stimulatory Molecules, uses three co-stimulatory molecules, ICAM-1, B7.1 and LFA-3, to enhance antigen presentation and activation of immune responses critical for tumor destruction. Therion is using TRICOM as part of its pox pox (poks) any eruptive or pustular disease, especially one caused by a virus, e.g., chickenpox, cowpox, etc. pox n. 1. virus vector-based approach to cancer immunotherapy for prostate, pancreatic and other cancers. Therion Biologics develops therapeutic vaccines for cancer and preventive vaccines for AIDS. The company has two lead programs involving multiple clinical trials: PANVAC-VF for pancreatic cancer and PROSTVAC-VF for prostate cancer. Therion is also applying its technology platform to develop vaccines to treat melanoma, breast cancer and other solid tumors. In addition to studies conducted under collaboration with the National Cancer Institute, the company's strategic partners include a global network of leading clinical institutions and Aventis Pasteur, Ltd., which is developing ALVAC-CEA/B7.1, a clinical candidate for the treatment of colon cancer colon cancer, cancer of any part of the colon (often called the large intestine). Colon cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. . Biogen Idec creates new standards of care Standards of care are medical or psychological treatment guidelines, and can be general or specific. They specify appropriate treatment protocols based on scientific evidence, and collaboration between medical and/or psychological professionals involved in the treatment of a given in oncology and immunology. As a global leader in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of novel therapies, Biogen Idec transforms scientific discoveries into advances in human healthcare. Therion Biologics Corporation +1-617-475-7500 www.therionbio.com |
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