Targeted Genetics has supported two Phase I studies of HIV-specific CTLs in HIV infected patients conducted by Riddell and Greenberg at the Hutchinson Center. Additional Phase I/II studies of adoptive immunotherapy using CTLs expanded with the REM technology are ongoing at the Hutchinson Center for the precaution of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in bone marrow transplant patients and for the treatment of patients with late stage melanoma Targeted Genetics has several issued and pending patents in this area. Prior to development of the REM technology, technical and regulatory hurdles made adoptive immunotherapy too costly for commercialization. Targeted Genetics has further developed this technology to facilitate commercial development by focusing on scalability of costs and reagents. Targeted Genetics has filed additional patents regarding improvements to the REM technology.
"In addition to its significant potential in adoptive immunotherapy, Targeted Genetics' REM technology also is a strategic core technology for research, development, and commercialization of other technologies aimed at treating chronic viral and malignant disease," said H. Stewart Parker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Targeted Genetics. "The REM process is applicable to broad-based technologies such as genomics and to the identification of new proteins or small molecules with therapeutic potential. This patent, in concert with Targeted Genetics' other patents and intellectual property, forms a powerful core technology platform either as a stand alone therapeutic or in concert with existing technologies."
Targeted Genetics Corporation develops gene and cell therapy products for the
treatment of certain acquired and inherited diseases. The company has three
lead development programs targeting cystic fibrosis, cancer, and infectious
disease
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Contact: Susan Edmonds
sedmonds@fhcrc.org
206-667-2896
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
27-Oct-1998