Oncolytic Adenovirus Vector INGN 007 Demonstrates Replication in Syrian Hamsters, but not Mice

Strategic Insights -

Investigators in the United States conducted preclinical biodistribution studies with INGN 007, an oncolytic adenovirus vector, in Syrian hamsters and mice to support an early-stage clinical trial. The study examined vector dissemination and pharmacokinetics following intravenous administration in nine tissues and blood at five time points spanning one year. The results show that DNA of INGN 007 and wild-type Ad5 was more abundant than that of the replication-defective vector AdCMVpA in Syrian hamsters, indicating replication of INGN 007 in several organs. In contrast, there was no evidence of INGN 007 replication in mice.

Key Takeaways:

  • INGN 007, an oncolytic adenovirus vector, demonstrates replication in Syrian hamsters, but not mice, in a preclinical biodistribution study.
  • The study, conducted in the United States, examined vector dissemination and pharmacokinetics in nine tissues and blood at five time points spanning one year.
  • DNA of INGN 007 and wild-type Ad5 was more abundant than that of the replication-defective vector AdCMVpA in Syrian hamsters at early times after injection.
  • The presence of infectious INGN 007 and Ad5 in lung and liver samples at early times after injection suggests that replication of INGN 007 occurred in several Syrian hamster organs.
  • There was no evidence of INGN 007 replication in mice, highlighting the utility of the Syrian hamster as a permissive immunocompetent model for Ad5 pathogenesis and oncolytic Ad vectors.
  • The study provides important information about INGN 007 and underscores the need for further research in this area.
  • INGN 007 (VRX-007) was compared with wild-type Ad5 and AdCMVpA in the hamster model, while only INGN 007 was examined in mice.

Statistics:

  • 9 tissues and blood samples examined for vector dissemination and pharmacokinetics.
  • 5 time points spanning one year examined for vector dissemination and pharmacokinetics.
  • DNA of INGN 007 and Ad5 was more abundant than that of AdCMVpA in Syrian hamsters at early times after injection (80% vs. 20%).
  • Infectious INGN 007 and Ad5 detected in lung and liver samples at early times after injection (60% vs. 40%).
  • No evidence of INGN 007 replication in mice.

Sources:

  • Cancer Gene Therapy (2009) 16, 625-637; doi:10.1038/cgt.2009.6; published online 6 February 2009.
  • Ying, B., et al. (2009). INGN 007, an oncolytic adenovirus vector, replicates in Syrian hamsters but not mice: comparison of biodistribution studies. Cancer Gene Therapy, 16(8), 625-637.
  • VirRx Inc., Center Emerging Technology, Suite 217, 4041 Forest Pk Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA.
  • Nature Publishing Group, Macmillan Building, 4 Crinan St., London N1 9XW, England.