Vion Announces Issuance of Additional TAPET(R) Patent
September 23, 2002 - /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - VION announced today that U.S. Patent No. 6,447,784 was issued from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This patent, entitled "Genetically Modified Tumor-Targeted Bacteria With Reduced Virulence" provides composition-of-matter coverage for TAPET(R) VNP20009, Vion's first generation Salmonella bacteria anticancer vector, which the Company has been studying in Phase 1 clinical trials.
Alan Kessman, Vion's Chief Executive Officer, stated, "This new patent adds to our TAPET(R) patent estate." He added, "Vion owns extensive intellectual property in the area of Salmonella bacterial vectors for the treatment of cancer."
Vion licenses TAPET(R) technology from Yale University. The technology covered by the patent has been exclusively licensed to Vion. The patent was awarded to Yale and Vion, and the inventors are Kenneth B. Low, Ph.D. and David G. Bermudes, Ph.D. Dr. Bermudes is currently Director of Biology at Vion.
Vion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biotechnology company developing novel agents for the treatment of cancer. Vion's portfolio of agents includes: Triapine(R), a potent inhibitor of a key step in DNA synthesis and repair; VNP40101M, a unique DNA alkylating agent; and TAPET(R), a modified Salmonella vector used to deliver anticancer agents directly to tumors. For additional information on Vion and its product development programs, visit the company's Internet web site at www.vionpharm.com.
Vion Starts Phase 1 Tapet Trial With Immune Systems Modulation
September 17 -(Dow Jones)- Vion Pharmaceuticals Inc. started a new Phase 1 trial of Tapet VNP20009, a salmonella bacteria under study as an anticancer vector. In a press release Tuesday, Vion said the trial aims to establish the safety of selectively suppressing the immune system just before and after an intravenous dose of the bacteria.
Preclinical studies indicate suppression of the immune system can improve the ability of the bacteria to colonize tumors.
Colonization is necessary for the bacteria to exert anti-tumor effects, either on its own, or as a delivery vehicle for anticancer agents.
In previous Phase 1 trials, Vion found the bacteria could be safely administered intravenously in a defined dose range. The studies also demonstrated that NP20009 could establish colonization in tumors in some patients.
Vion, a development stage company with current funding sufficient to November 2003, licenses Tapet technology from Yale University.
Vion shares traded recently at 48 cents a share, up 6 cents, or 14.3%, on Nasdaq volume of 36,300 shares. Average daily volume is 107,421 shares. In the past 52 weeks Vion has traded for as much as $5.61 a share Oct. 31, and as low as 26 cents a share July 24.
FWIW, Jim |
