Cell Genesys, Inc. has been issued a new United States Patent (No. 6,037,177) covering methods of production of its proprietary adeno- associated viral (AAV) gene delivery technology.The patent claims encompass technology for the large-scale production of AAV vectors for both clinical trials and potential product commercialisation.
Cell Genesys‘ AAV patent portfolio now includes more than 75 issued or granted patents and patent applications including a broad patent (U.S. Patent No. 5,753,500) issued in 1998 covering all gene therapy products that utilize AAV vectors to deliver genes.
“This patent further strengthens our competitive position in the AAV gene therapy area in particular with respect to the scaleable manufacturing of AAV vectors for clinical trials and product commercialisation,” stated Stephen A. Sherwin, M.D., chairman and CEO of Cell Genesys.
“Our scientists are applying our proprietary AAV manufacturing technology to our haemophilia gene therapy program.” Cell Genesys currently has one of the largest patent portfolios in the gene therapy field including more than 220 issued or granted patents and over 335 pending patent applications.
The portfolio includes issued or granted patents for multiple gene delivery systems, specific therapeutic genes and gene therapy applications and multiple genetically modified cell types used in gene therapy independent of the gene delivery system or therapeutic gene.
Cell Genesys is focused on the development and commercialisation of gene therapies to treat cancer and other major, life-threatening diseases.
The company is conducting two multicenter Phase II human clinical trials for its GVAX cancer vaccine in prostate cancer and a multicenter Phase I/II trial of GVAX vaccine in lung cancer.
Preclinical stage programs include gene therapy for haemophilia, cancer, cardiovascular disorders and Parkinson’s disease.