Introgen Therapeutics reported that United States patent 6,720,408 has been issued to the trustees of Columbia University. This patent directly covers the mda-7/IL-24 tumour suppressor gene which forms the genetic basis of Introgen's anti-cancer product called INGN 241. Introgen has previously conducted phase 1 and 2 trials with INGN 241 for the treatment of various solid tumors and recently announced the initiation of a phase 2 trial for the treatment of metastatic melanoma.
The patent, which lists Drs. Paul B. Fisher and Hongping Jiang as inventors, is exclusively licensed to Introgen for gene therapy applications through an agreement with the Corixa Corporation.
INGN 241 is a modified adenoviral vector that carries the cancer cell killing mda-7 gene. The mda-7 gene was discovered by the laboratory of Dr. Fisher, Professor of Clinical Pathology, director of Neuro-Oncology Research and the Michael and Stella Chernow Urological Cancer Research Scientist in the Departments of Neurological Surgery, Pathology and Urology at Columbia University. The mda-7 gene encodes the antitumour cytokine, interleukin 24 (IL-24), the protein responsible for INGN241's broad therapeutic properties. Studies carried out by Dr. Fisher and Introgen have shown that the introduction of the mda-7 gene into cancer cells induces programmed cell death and also effects, likely through its cytokine properties, antitumour action in cancer cells far removed from site of administration.
David L. Parker, J.D., Ph.D., vice president of intellectual property for Introgen, said, "This patent complements the two previously issued mda-7 patents, which were directed to therapeutic applications of the mda-7 gene, and now establishes Introgen's control of the mda-7 gene itself. Dr. Fisher and his team at Columbia are to be highly commended for their discovery and continued development of the mda-7 gene, which Introgen believes will prove to be a very important tool for oncologists in the treatment and management of many forms of cancer, including metastatic melanoma."
Dr. Michael Cleare, executive director of Columbia University's Science and Technology Ventures Group commented, "We are delighted to see the University's technology being evaluated clinically by Introgen and believe that Professor Fisher's work can make a significant contribution to the treatment of multiple types of cancer. Our mission is to transfer academic research for societal benefit on a local, national and global basis."
Introgen is a leading developer of biopharmaceutical products designed to induce therapeutic protein expression using non-integrating gene agents for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Introgen maintains integrated research, development, manufacturing, clinical and regulatory departments and operates a commercial-scale, CGMP manufacturing facility.