Oxford BioMedica presented 'promising' preclinical data from its motor neuron disease programme at two major international conferences in November 2003
Nick Mazarakis and Mimoun Azzouz, from the company's neurobiology group, presented data showing that the MoNuDin programme has achieved a major technical milestone.
In an industry standard animal model of motor neuron disease, treatment with MoNuDin resulted in significant motor (movement) improvement, a substantial delay in the onset of disease and increased survival time.
MoNuDin comprises a neuroprotective gene delivered by the Company's proprietary LentiVector system.
The product is designed to be injected into muscle, but mediates its therapeutic effect within the nerve cells of the spine.
There is currently no known cure for motor neuron disease, a condition that affects approximately 100,000 people in Europe and the US.
Oxford BioMedica's novel programme is supported by the largest US charitable organisation for this condition, the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association.
The ground breaking technology employed in MoNuDin is also used in the company's spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) programme.
The Company estimates that, if successful, these two products could reach markets in excess of $300 million per annum.
Commenting on the presentations, Oxford BioMedica's chief executive, Prof Alan Kingsman said: "The company's neurobiology programme goes from strength to strength.
"These new data pave the way for MoNuDin to enter clinical development on schedule and, in addition, they bode well for the SMA programme".
