Dutch antibody and vaccine company Crucell N.V. has signed a licensing agreement with GenVec, a biopharmaceutical company developing gene-based medicines, to use the PER.C6 cell line in the development of GenVec's lead cardiovascular product candidate, BioBypass angiogen.

Under the terms of the agreement, GenVec will receive a non-exclusive, commercial license to use Crucell's PER.C6 cell line for the development of BioBypass. Crucell will receive an upfront fee and annual payments, as well as royalties on any future net product sales. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

BioBypass is intended to induce new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) and improve blood circulation in tissues with inadequate blood flow. It is currently in late-stage Phase II clinical trials to evaluate its potential use in the treatment of Coronary Artery Disease and Peripheral Vascular Disease.