Rhone-Poulenc Rorer and Enzon Collaborate on Gene Therapy Technology

Strategic Insights -

Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc. (RPR) and Enzon, Inc. have announced a licensing agreement for Enzon's Single-Chain Antigen-Binding (SCA) protein technology, which will be used for intracellular expression of SCA proteins and targeted vectors in the field of cell and gene therapy. This technology will be applied to RPR's in vivo and ex vivo gene therapy programs in cancer, cardiovascular disease, and immunology. The agreement grants RPR a worldwide, non-exclusive license to use the SCA technology, and RPR will pay Enzon a $1 million license fee and additional payments upon achieving specified product development milestones.

Key Takeaways:

  • The SCA technology provides the binding specificity and affinity of monoclonal antibodies in a smaller, more easily modified form, which may enhance performance in diagnostic, therapeutic, and process applications.
  • SCA proteins may provide less exposure of the antibody to the patient (reduced toxicity) and maximum therapeutic or imaging effect.
  • The delivery and intracellular expression of genes coding for SCA proteins may have particular value for the selective inhibition of intracellular function associated with disease conditions.
  • The technology may allow for selective targeting of cells for transfection or transduction with viral and non-viral vectors.
  • The agreement is an important addition to Enzon's roster of SCA alliances, which demonstrate the significant promise of the technology for various applications.
  • Enzon is a biopharmaceutical company developing advanced therapies for life-threatening diseases primarily in the areas of blood substitutes, cancer therapy, and genetic diseases.
  • RPR Gencell is the division of RPR dedicated to the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of cell and gene therapy products.
  • RPR is a global pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving human health.

Statistics:

  • The license will be granted for a worldwide, non-exclusive use.
  • The license fee is $1 million.
  • Additional payments will be made upon the achievement of specified product development milestones.
  • RPR will pay Enzon a royalty based on sales of products incorporating the Enzon technology.
  • Enzon has two FDA-approved products and has strategic alliances with companies such as Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Pharmaceuticals, Schering Corporation, Eli Lilly, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Baxter Healthcare.

Sources:

  • Enzon, Inc. and Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc. Press Release (January 4, 1996)
  • Enzon, Inc. corporate website
  • Rhone-Poulenc Rorer corporate website
  • Enzon, Inc. (NASDAQ/NMS:ENZN) stock information
  • Rhone-Poulenc Rorer (NYSE:RPR) stock information