Tranzyme Inc. Obtains License To Lentivirus Vector Technology

Tranzyme Inc., a developer of lentivirus vectors for gene therapy, has obtained an exclusive license agreement from the UAB Research Foundation at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The agreement licenses a series of patents developed by Dr. John Kappes and Dr. Xiaoyun Wu, technical founders of the company.

"While lentiviral vectors hold great promise for gene therapy, of paramount importance are concerns for their safe use in people," said Dr. Kappes. "Our vector may have solved the persistent problem of gene expression. It is even capable of infecting non-replicating cells."

The trans-lentiviral vector, called TransVector, is being studied for applications in gene therapy, vaccine delivery and therapeutic nucleic acid expression.

For more information: Tranzyme Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 500 Beacon Parkway West, Birmingham, AL 35209. Telephone: 205-943-8712. Fax: 205-943-8565.