Schering-Plough and Immune Response Announce Collaboration for Gene Therapy Products

Strategic Insights -

Schering-Plough, a research-based pharmaceutical company, and Immune Response, a biopharmaceutical company, have entered a research collaboration and option agreement to develop gene therapy products for the treatment of hepatitis B and C, and other diseases. The collaboration combines Immune Response's proprietary GeneDrug gene delivery technology with Schering-Plough's interferon alfa-2b gene and other proprietary genes.

Under the agreement, Schering-Plough has the option to license Immune Response's gene delivery system for additional proprietary Schering-Plough genes, which could result in total payments to Immune Response exceeding $80 million, including initial fees, reimbursement expenses, and technical milestone payments. The Immune Response Corporation has already received approximately $5 million in initial fees, reimbursement expenses, and technical milestone payments.

The collaboration is a significant step in the development of gene therapy products for the treatment of various diseases. Immune Response's GeneDrug technology enables the intravenous injection of genes for delivery directly to the liver, making it an attractive option for treating liver diseases. Schering-Plough's commitment to gene therapy is evident through its focus on developing interferon-based therapies for the treatment of various diseases.

Key Takeaways:

  • Schering-Plough and Immune Response have entered a research collaboration and option agreement to develop gene therapy products for the treatment of hepatitis B and C, and other diseases.
  • The collaboration combines Immune Response's proprietary GeneDrug gene delivery technology with Schering-Plough's interferon alfa-2b gene and other proprietary genes.
  • Schering-Plough has the option to license Immune Response's gene delivery system for additional proprietary Schering-Plough genes, which could result in total payments exceeding $80 million.
  • Immune Response has received approximately $5 million in initial fees, reimbursement expenses, and technical milestone payments.
  • Schering-Plough has a significant commitment to gene therapy, with a focus on developing interferon-based therapies for various diseases.
  • The collaboration is a significant step in the development of gene therapy products for the treatment of liver diseases.
  • Immune Response's GeneDrug technology enables the intravenous injection of genes for delivery directly to the liver.

Statistics:

  • Total payments to Immune Response could exceed $80 million, including initial fees, reimbursement expenses, and technical milestone payments.
  • Initial fees, reimbursement expenses, and technical milestone payments to Immune Response: approximately $5 million.
  • Total number of diseases being treated using Immune Response's GeneDrug technology: 14, including hepatitis B and C, HIV, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and more.
  • Number of clinical trials being conducted by Immune Response: 7, for diseases such as HIV, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, colon cancer, and brain cancer.
  • Number of preclinical studies being conducted by Immune Response: 7, for diseases such as melanoma and prostate cancers.

Sources:

  • Schering-Plough Corporation; The Immune Response Corporation /NOTE TO EDITORS: The Immune Response Corporation news releases are available at no charge through the company's automated attendant 800 number at 800-491-0153.
  • SOURCE Schering-Plough Corporation; The Immune Response Corporation /CONTACT: Debra L. Altman of Immune Response, 800-491-0153; or Media: Robert J. Consalvo, 973-822-7409, or Investors: Geraldine U. Foster, 973-822-7410, or Janet M. Barth, 973-822-7417, all of Schering-Plough/