Oxford BioMedica announced that it has signed a licence agreement for its LentiVector technology with Merck & Co., Inc. The agreement allows Merck to use the company's proprietary LentiVector gene delivery system for research activities. Under the terms of the agreement, Oxford BioMedica will receive an upfront licence payment and an annual maintenance fee.

Three issued US patents, of which the most recent was issued in December 2003, and one granted European patent, support the company's LentiVector technology. The patents include broad composition of matter and methods of production claims for lentiviral vector gene delivery systems of both human and non-human origin. The LentiVector system is a powerful technology for gene delivery to a wide range of cell and tissue types. The technology has applications both in therapeutic products and as a drug discovery tool for target validation and the creation of targeted disease models. It has also been shown to substantially enhance the efficiency of making transgenic birds and mammals.

Commenting on the news Oxford BioMedica's chief executive, Prof. Alan Kingsman said, "This agreement with Merck is further endorsement of Oxford BioMedica's patent position in the field of lentiviral delivery systems and the broad utility of the LentiVector technology. We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Merck".