Pardigm:
Thanks, very much, for the analysis. I largely share your opinions. Where I don't, I'll note such.
First, you didn't put the AlloMune and XenoMune programs in the context of 507 and AlloMune anti-"blood cell cancer".
One simply can't take BTRN out of the 507 context until MEDI's data, or an absurd market cap, does such.
>> Using mixed chimerism as a method to induce tolerance to allotransplants of solid organs is nothing new. <<
The BTRN procedures, using modest conditioning regimens, are patented.
Establishing the chimerism in humans using those modest conditioning regimens is new, and it is novel..... US6006752: Mixed chimerism and tolerance. claim one of 53.....
What is claimed is:
1. A method of promoting, tolerance in a recipient mammal of a first species, to a graft obtained from a donor mammal of a second species comprising:
introducing into said recipient mammal, hematopoietic stem cells of said second species; creating thymic space in said recipient; and introducing said graft into said recipient, wherein the number of donor stem cells administered is sufficient such that mixed chimerism can be formed without hematopoietic space-creating irradiation.
>> is it reasonable to believe that such a patent is policeable. <<
Together with Dendreon, the plan is to provide and sell a "kit" to get the job done. Given patent protection, no other commercial entity could provide a kit covered by claim language. It is BTRN's goal, certainly, to continuously expand the breadth of claim language.
>> Can a meaningful graft versus tumour immunity be sustained in the face of donor specific tolerance. <<
I was one of the first to conduct GvT experiments. A single injection of parental marrow into F1 recipients was sufficient for "cure". Sorry, I never published the work.... that's why I'm an investor rather than a bench jockey. But, here's an abstract, at least.... Fed. Proc. 35: 312 (1976).
My point.... why do you assume that maintenance of anti-tumor response is necessary for success?
>> Xeno-tolerance represents probably the most difficult barrier to cross for immunologists <<
Certainly difficult enough.
>> BTRN is still far from breaking ground on obstacle number 2 and to get that far they will have to remove the preformed antibodies and pay
rolyalties to another company. <<
Suggest you contact BTRN regarding the first point, and please recognize that Imutran is a Novartis company regarding second point. I agree with you, the ex-vivo absorption concept is lame, and that BTRN, as a stand-alone, can't deal with the hyperacute issue. Fortunately for them, they aren't a stand alone.
>> I am much less excited at the potential for success in the next decade <<
Novartis estimates, I believe, the xenotransplant market at greater than $3 billion. One needs to discount, for time and in the context of current market cap, the chance for success and the effective market.
All in the context of 507, of course.
Thanks, very valuable commentary.
Cheers! Rick
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