MediGene issues licenses to Virionics for use of CVLP tumor vaccine

By Elaine Rigoli

Tampa, Fla., April 4 - MediGene AG has granted a number of licenses to Virionics Corp. for the use of the chimeric virus-like particles (CVLP) vaccine program.

CVLPs are based on human papilloma viruses (HPV), and the drug may be applied as both a therapeutic against precursors of cervical cancer and as a prophylactic vaccine against HPV, according to a news release.

MediGene's patents and experience with these tumor vaccines are major subjects of the contract, the release said.

Virionics will begin a clinical phase 2 trial of the CVLPs, the release said.

In return, MediGene will receive a share of up to 15% in Virionics, plus a participation in sales and future milestone payments if sublicenses are granted to third parties.

Moreover, MediGene holds pan-European marketing rights to the drugs developed, the release said.

MediGene had tested the CVLP tumor vaccine in cooperation with Schering AG in an introductory phase 1/2 trial that showed positive data regarding tolerability, immunologic activity and first efficacy trends. Upon termination of the cooperation with Schering in 2003, MediGene discontinued the project.

MediGene is a biotechnology company located in Martinsried, Germany, and San Diego.

Virionics is a Scottsdale, Ariz.-based biotechnology company.

© 2015 Prospect News.
All content on this website is protected by copyright law in the U.S. and elsewhere. For the use of the person downloading only.
Redistribution and copying are prohibited by law without written permission in advance from Prospect News.
Redistribution or copying includes e-mailing, printing multiple copies or any other form of reproduction.