Introgen Therapeutics Inc has acquired the exclusive worldwide license for the fus1 gene from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Fus1 is a tumor-suppressor gene shown to inhibit the growth of tumors and greatly reduce the spread of lung cancer in animals. This gene may provide a novel method of selectively destroying cancer cells in humans.

Fus1 was identified by the International Lung Cancer Chromosome 3p21.3 Tumor Suppressor Gene Consortium, a team of researchers from M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas and the National Cancer Institute, headed by the Institute's Dr. Michael Lerman. Introgen previously announced that it acquired the exclusive worldwide license for a total of 10 anti-cancer genes identified by the consortium. Fus1, the most potent gene evaluated from the cluster thus far, has demonstrated the ability to inhibit the growth and spread of lung cancer in mice, and it represents a powerful tool in the search for a cure for lung cancer.

Fus1 and the other nine genes are located in a region of chromosome 3 called 3p (the short arm of chromosome 3). Mutations in this region are found in approximately 90 percent of small-lung cancer, more than 50 percent of non- small-lung cancer, as well as in renal, breast, pancreatic, oral and uterine cancers. Preclinical studies have shown that gene delivery of fus1, using either adenoviral or non-viral gene transfer, significantly inhibits the growth of tumors and greatly reduces the metastatic spread of lung cancer in animals.

"The finding of a cluster of anti-cancer genes is unprecedented," said Jack A. Roth, chair of the department of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. "The fus1 data may just be the tip of the iceberg. As genomic and proteomic analyses proceed, we will understand how these critical genes interact and how they can best be used individually or in combination."

Mutations in the 3p21 region of the genome are the earliest genetic abnormality currently detected in lung cancer, suggesting that one or more of these genes could act as "gatekeeper," preventing cells from becoming cancerous. When the gatekeeper function is lost, cells lose normal growth controls, overgrow and become cancerous. Restoration of a gene such as fus1 might restore this gatekeeper function.

Introgen is working with the consortium to create gene-based drugs capable of treating cancer in humans. Preclinical and clinical development of all the genes in 3p has begun. The first patient is expected to be enrolled soon. Introgen has filed patents to protect therapeutic, screening and diagnostic rights.