Lentigen Licenses Fundamental Lentiviral Vector Technology Patent From the University of Cambridge

Lentigen Corporation today announced an exclusive licensing agreement with Cambridge Enterprise, the organization responsible for licensing technologies from the University of Cambridge (U.K.), for a fundamental patent in the area of lentiviral vector technology. The technology was developed in the laboratory of Professor Andrew Lever at the University of Cambridge.

"The patent broadly claims fundamental compositions of HIV-based lentiviral vectors that are currently widely used in research and clinical studies," said Boro Dropulic, Ph.D., founder, president and chief scientific officer of Lentigen. He added "we are delighted to be working with Professor Lever in obtaining this patent license, and developing its application in biomedicine."

Following the acquisition of the Cell Genesys' lentiviral patent portfolio late last year by GBP Capital, the majority shareholder in Lentigen, this license further consolidates Lentigen's intellectual property position.

"Licensing this fundamental technology patent from the University of Cambridge extends our strong intellectual property position and is consistent with our goal of becoming a leader in lentiviral-vector based biomedicine. It further enables Lentigen to pursue development and commercialization of biomedical products and services, to the benefit of patients, healthcare providers and the research community," said Tim Ravenscroft, chief executive officer of Lentigen.

"Lentigen are the ideal partner for this piece of fundamental lentiviral vector technology. We are pleased to be working with a team committed to developing the technology for patient benefit," added Dr Andrew Walsh, technology manager for Cambridge Enterprise, University of Cambridge.