Introgen Therapeutics, Inc. has obtained a worldwide, exclusive license to a family of patent applications directed to combination therapy using Advexin with inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFr inhibitors), such as Erbitux, Vectibix, Tarceva and Iressa. The family of patents was licensed to Introgen from The University of Texas System M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

This important technology is based on the discovery by scientists at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center that p53 and mda7 therapies can work synergistically with inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptors to arrest tumour growth. Preclinical studies have shown that this "double barrel" therapeutic approach results in an unexpectedly greater level of cancer cell death than when either therapy is used alone.

"Introgen is very encouraged by the results of preclinical studies combining these two agents," said Robert E. Sobol, M.D., Introgen's senior vice president of Medical and Scientific Affairs. "Combining Advexin with EGFr inhibitors such as Erbitux, Vectibix or other such drugs represent a logical extension of our knowledge of cancer biology leading to improved cancer therapies. These agents are targeted to fundamental molecular defects that can inhibit tumours. Our clinical studies have shown enhanced clinical activity when Advexin is administered in combination with traditional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. We look forward to expanding our programmes to include this new exciting approach of combining biological therapies."

"The regulatory implications of the combination of Advexin and EGFr inhibitors are significant," said Max W. Talbott, PhD, Introgen's senior vice president of Worldwide Commercial Development. "In discussions with regulatory authorities, due to the unique efficacy mechanism of Advexin and its minimal toxicity, we have been encouraged to consider development of combination therapeutic approaches utilizing Advexin and the inhibitors."

Dr. Talbott continued, "The results of our preclinical work, coupled with the recent agreement with M. D. Anderson Cancer Center for the EGFr technology, should have a positive impact on Advexin and follow-on product development plans both in the United States, as well as in the rest of the world."