Date: Thu, 18 Dec 1997 17:52:47 GMT Server: Apache/1.2.4 Last-Modified: Thu, 30 Oct 1997 19:29:49 GMT ETag: "9ac3-ac0-3458e02d" Content-Length: 2752 Accept-Ranges: bytes Connection: close Content-Type: text/html TK_cancer

AAV-Tk-Ganciclovir - Brain Cancer

Avigen's brain cancer program uses AAV vector containing the gene for the enzyme tymidine-kinase (TK) along with the injection of the antiviral drug ganciclovir. This vector may be injected stereotactically or applied at the time of surgery and expresses the TK gene. Expression of the TK gene in dividing cells converts ganciclovir into a toxic byproduct that causes the destruction of the cancer cells. Because cell destruction is limited to dividing cells and since normal brain cells are non-dividing, the approach is particularly suitable for the brain. Animal studies conducted by Avigen in which mice were implanted with human glioma cells have shown that a single injection of AAV-Tk vector along with ganciclovir provides a significant reduction in tumor size. Moreover, there was an evidence of bystander effect: not only did the cells that received TK expression die but also the tumor cells that were in contact with these cells but that did not receive TK expression. Avigen is currently conducting additional toxicity and efficacy testing and anticipates the therapy to enter clinical trials in the second half of 1997.


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