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Our oncolytic virus therapies program utilizes adenovirus, one of
the viruses responsible for the common cold, to create viruses that
can kill cancer cells. Virus is engineered to selectively replicate
in targeted cancer cells, thereby killing these cells, leaving
healthy normal cells largely unharmed. The virus replicates in
cancer cells until the cancer cell can no longer contain the virus
and bursts. The tumor cell is destroyed and the newly created virus
is believed to spread to neighboring cancer cells to continue the
cycle of viral replication and tumor cell destruction. Compared with
traditional therapies, oncolytic virus therapies may have a higher
therapeutic index (greater specificity) with respect to their
ability to kill tumor cells.
In July 2003, we announced a global alliance with Novartis for the development and commercialization of oncolytic virus therapies. Under the agreement, we also acquired exclusive worldwide rights to the oncolytic virus therapy products and certain related intellectual property of Genetic Therapy, Inc. (GTI), an affiliate of Novartis, as well as related intellectual property of Novartis. Our alliance with Novartis thereby provided us with additional oncolytic virus therapy product opportunities at the preclinical stage of development. |
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