Crucell N.V. and GeneMax Corp have entered a license agreement for Crucell's PER.C6 cell line technology. Under the terms of the agreement, GeneMax will use Crucell's PER.C6 technology for research in the field of adenovirus-based gene delivery.
GeneMax has also obtained an option for a non-exclusive commercial license to use PER.C6 cells to manufacture and sell products in the field of gene delivery. Crucell will receive upfront and annual payments for the research license. If the research license is converted into a commercial license, Crucell will receive additional annual payments and royalties on future sales of PER.C6-derived products. Further financial details were not disclosed.
"This license represents an important building block in our program to move GeneMax's cancer vaccine into clinical trials. We perceive the Crucell vector to be the best available for delivering the TAP gene," said Ronald Handford, President & CEO of GeneMax. "We signed the first PER.C6 license in 1998. Since that time PER.C6 has become the 'industry standard' in the area of adenovirus-based gene delivery. Currently, six PER.C6-based products are in clinical trials," commented Dinko Valerio, Crucell's President and CEO. "As interest in gene delivery rebounds, we believe new opportunities for future agreements will further strengthen PER.C6's value to this industry."