Sigma-Aldrich, Oxford BioMedica and Open Biosystems Settle Patent Dispute Over
Use of LentiVector Technology in Research Reagents
ST. LOUIS, March 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
From: Jai P. Nagarkatti, President and CEO
Sigma-Aldrich (Nasdaq: SIAL), Oxford BioMedica (LSE: OXB) and Open
Biosystems, Inc., a privately held corporation, have jointly announced a
confidential settlement of their patent litigation. Sigma-Aldrich and
Oxford BioMedica agreed to dismiss the lawsuit brought against Open
Biosystems. Open Biosystems agreed to dismiss its counterclaims in the
lawsuit. As part of the settlement Open Biosystems will acquire certain
license rights under the Oxford BioMedica patents for use of the
LentiVector technology in research activities. Other details of the
agreement have not been disclosed
About Sigma-Aldrich: Sigma-Aldrich is a leading Life Science and High
Technology company. Its biochemical and organic chemical products and
kits are used in scientific and genomic research, biotechnology,
pharmaceutical development, the diagnosis of disease and as key components
in pharmaceutical and other high technology manufacturing. The Company has
customers in life science companies, university and government
institutions, hospitals, and in industry. Over one million scientists and
technologists use its products. Sigma-Aldrich operates in 36 countries
and has 7,900 employees providing excellent service worldwide.
Sigma-Aldrich is committed to Accelerating Customer Success through
Leadership in Life Science, High Technology and Service.
About Oxford BioMedica plc: Oxford BioMedica (LSE: OXB) is a
biopharmaceutical company specializing in cancer immunotherapy and
gene-based therapies. The Company was established in 1995, as a spin-out
from Oxford University, and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. The
Company has a platform of gene delivery technologies, which are based on
highly engineered viral systems. Its lead product candidate is TroVax(R),
an immunotherapy for multiple solid cancers, which is licensed to
sanofi-aventis for global development and commercialization. TroVax is in
Phase III development. Oxford BioMedica has three other products in
clinical development, including ProSavin(R), a novel gene-based treatment
for Parkinson's disease, in a Phase I/II trial. The Company is
underpinned by over 80 patent families, which represent one of the
broadest patent estates in the field.
About LentiVector(R) technology: Oxford BioMedica's LentiVector
technology represents one of the most advanced gene delivery systems
currently available. The technology is protected by multiple patents that
cover the use of highly engineered lentiviruses as vectors for gene
delivery. The LentiVector system has been shown to achieve safe and long-
term gene transfer to a broad range of dividing and non-dividing cell
types, including neurons and retinal cells, in a stable and efficient
fashion. Licensed users of the technology include Biogen Idec,
GlaxoSmithKline, Merck & Co and Pfizer.
About Open Biosystems: Open Biosystems, Inc. develops, manufactures
and markets genomic research tools to scientists and researchers in
corporate, academic and government laboratories. These research tools
provide investigators with standardized high-quality genes, RNAi and
antibodies for interrogating gene function in relation to oncology,
neuroscience and metabolic disorders. Founded in 2001, Open Biosystems is
headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama.
Cautionary Statement: This release contains forward-looking statements
relating to future performance, goals, strategic actions and initiatives
and similar intentions and beliefs and other statements regarding the
Companies' expectations, goals, beliefs, intentions and the like, which
involve assumptions regarding the Companies' operations and conditions in
the markets the Companies serve. The Companies do not undertake any
obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Richard A. Keffer
Vice President & General Counsel
314-286-4773
SOURCE Sigma-Aldrich
Richard A. Keffer, Vice President & General Counsel of Sigma-Aldrich,
+1-314-286-4773
