Cantab Pharmaceuticals today announced that it has strengthened its patent position in herpes simplex virus (HSV) vector technology through the completion of an exclusive option agreement for a worldwide licence to key patents held by GenVec, Inc. These patents cover technology, exclusively licensed by GenVec from the University of Pittsburgh, which may be crucial for the development and commercialisation of gene therapy products targeting the major neurological disorders, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

In return for an exclusive multi-year option for commercial licences to GenVec's HSV patent portfolio, Cantab has paid a fee upon signing and will make additional maintenance payments over the course of the option period. To exercise an option in any disease area, Cantab will pay GenVec a commercial licence fee, milestone payments subject to successful clinical development and royalties on product sales. Financial terms of the agreement are not disclosed.

Dr. Stephen Inglis, Research Director of Cantab commented on the agreement, "Cantab has accumulated a wealth of experience in the production and clinical use of HSV through its DISC HSV vaccine programme. The combination of this expertise and our own patent portfolio together with GenVec's intellectual property creates a very powerful technology base from which to develop gene therapy products for neurodegenerative diseases. We believe this agreement places Cantab at the forefront of HSV vector development for gene delivery."

Cantab's core gene therapy approach makes use of its proprietary DISC HSV vector and technology licensed from Cambridge University, enabling long term gene expression in neurological tissue. Cantab has already demonstrated safety of the backbone vector in Phase I clinical trials with its DISC HSV vaccine for the treatment of genital herpes. The agreement with GenVec provides Cantab with access to patents covering further modifications of the backbone vector in order to create a gene delivery vehicle which is unable to replicate in the target tissue.

"GenVec's goal is to exploit its valuable gene delivery technologies as broadly as possible and where there are significant market opportunities," said Dr. Paul Fischer, President and CEO of GenVec. "Our HSV technology is clearly applicable to a wide range of neurological disorders and with Cantab we are pleased to collaborate with a leading edge player in this field."

Approximately 10 percent of people over the age of 65 and 20 percent over the age of 80 are affected by dementia. Of these, 60 percent suffer from Alzheimer's disease. Further, it is estimated that as many as 14 million Americans will be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease by the middle of the 21st century. The combined annual cost to the US of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases is greater than $100 billion, whilst the annual cost of drug therapy for Parkinson's disease alone is in excess of $8,000 per patient. With no cure currently available for these neurological disorders, and as the aging global population increases, the prevalence of dementia is set to increase to almost epidemic proportions, creating a significant healthcare concern and financial burden to the world's healthcare systems.

GenVec, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company, headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, is a leader in the development and commercialisation of innovative gene therapy products for major medical needs. GenVec's lead development programme is focused on therapeutic angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) intended for the treatment of coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease. GenVec is also developing product candidates and vector technology for other applications, including vascular damage and oncology. The company holds or has licences to more than 250 issued, allowed or pending patents worldwide.

Cantab Pharmaceuticals plc, based in Cambridge, UK, was established in 1989 to exploit advances in immunology. Cantab has become a leader in the fields of immunotherapy and gene delivery, developing novel products for the treatment and prevention of chronic infectious diseases, cancer and substance addiction through use of its proprietary antigen and gene delivery systems.