He European Patent Office has granted a key patent (No EP1036091), that provides broad protection for Oxford BioMedica's lead product, TroVax
This is one of several granted and pending patents that protect the company's ownership of the 5T4 tumour antigen.
The granted patent covers immunotherapy products directed against 5T4 and includes specific claims to the use of viral delivery systems in 5T4-targeted vaccines.
5T4 is a tumour associated antigen that is expressed on a wide range of tumour types.
A number of published immunohistochemical studies have demonstrated that there is a high incidence of 5T4 expression on colorectal cancer, renal cell carcinoma and breast cancer, amongst others.
5T4 expression is frequently correlated with poor prognosis and metastatic spread.
Overall, 5T4 is present on more than 75% of human solid tumours, yet it is not found on any essential organs.
These characteristics make 5T4 an ideal target for immunotherapy treatment in a wide range of cancer types.
Commenting on the issued patent Oxford BioMedica's chief executive, professor Alan Kingsman said: "The newly granted patent, together with several other granted and pending patents, provide protection for our lead product, TroVax, as well as next generation cancer vaccines based on the 5T4 antigen.
"This positions Oxford BioMedica as one of the leading players in the emerging field of cancer immunotherapy.
"TroVax has potential utility as a treatment for most solids tumours, hence, the potential to be a major commercial opportunity for the company."
