Oxford BioMedica and Intervet Pharma R+D announced in January 2003 that they had signed a research agreement for the development of TroVax-Vet
Under the terms of this agreement BioMedica and Intervet aim to complete a license for the commercialisation of TroVax-Vet.
This will include an option to acquire a number of other veterinary cancer products arising from BioMedica's antigen discovery programme.
The agreement replaces a previous agreement between Oxford BioMedica and Virbac.
TroVax-Vet is a veterinary version of Oxford BioMedica's lead human cancer product TroVax.
Both products are designed to stimulate a cancer patient's immune system to destroy tumour cells anywhere in the body.
The products are composed of an engineered vector containing a gene encoding a tumour-specific antigen.
When TroVax is injected it stimulates a potent immune response which is targeted against any cell with the antigen on its surface.
This results in a response that is directed only to the patient's tumour cells.
The human product TroVax has recently completed successful Phase I/II trials in colorectal cancer patients.
In these trials TroVax was shown to be safe and extremely efficient at inducing appropriate immune responses.
TroVax is expected to complete a Phase II study in colorectal cancer, in combination with chemotherapy, during 2003 and be ready for Phase III studies by the end of the year.
In addition the indications for TroVax will be broadened in a series of additional Phase II trials during 2003.
Commenting on the new relationship, Oxford BioMedica's chief executive, professor Alan Kingsman said: "We are delighted to be working with Intervet, one of the world's top veterinary companies.
"The commitment to rapid product development is particularly pleasing."
