Introgen on its own

After inheriting a gaggle of gene therapy assets and collaborators when it was formed in 1998, Aventis S.A. is unwinding its gene therapy portfolio, in the process leaving Introgen Therapeutics Inc. on its own to complete clinical development of its gene therapy to treat cancer.

Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc., now AVE, created its RPR Gencell division in November 1994 to develop gene therapy technology and products through a network of deals with companies and institutions, including INGN, and an initial $300 million investment (see BioCentury, Nov. 21, 1994). Last week, AVE announced plans to spin out the division and become an inactive shareholder in INGN, its most clinically advanced gene therapy collaboration. ...