Viagene Obtains Worldwide License for Hepatitis B Gene Therapy

Strategic Insights -

Viagene, a biotechnology company in San Diego, has secured a non-exclusive license from Biogen for the use of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genes in gene therapy treatments for chronic HBV infection. According to Robert T. Abbott, President and CEO of Viagene, this license will enable the company to move into clinical development without fear of patent infringement. The agreement grants Viagene the right to sublicense to a collaborative partner and provides Biogen with an undisclosed license fee and royalties. Viagene plans to commence human studies for its HBV gene therapy treatment in 1995.

Key Takeaways:

  • Viagene has obtained a worldwide, non-exclusive license from Biogen for the use of HBV genes in gene therapy treatments for chronic HBV infection.
  • The license will allow Viagene to move into clinical development without threat of patent infringement.
  • Viagene plans to commence human studies for its HBV gene therapy treatment in 1995.
  • The treatment aims to stimulate cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response, resulting in the destruction of virally infected cells and elimination of the virus from the body.
  • Chronic HBV infection affects 500 million people annually, and liver disease caused by HBV results in 4,000-5,000 deaths in the United States each year.
  • Viagene's current development efforts involve an immunotherapeutic product that stimulates the immune system to fight HBV infection.
  • Viagene is a biotechnology company located in San Diego, California, that focuses on gene transfer drugs for treating severe viral infections, cancers, and other diseases.
  • Biogen will retain certain marketing rights under the agreement.

Statistics:

  • 500 million people are affected by chronic HBV infection annually worldwide.
  • 10,000 people are hospitalized annually in the United States due to acute HBV infection.
  • 4,000-5,000 people in the United States die each year from chronic liver disease caused by HBV.

Sources:

  • Viagene, Inc. press release, January 5, 1995
  • PR Newswire, "Viagene Obtains Worldwide, Non-Exclusive License for Hepatitis B Virus Genes", January 5, 1995