Viagene Inc. other research news

VIGN (San Diego), received RAC approval to use its retroviral vector to deliver the human gene for gamma interferon, in a Phase I safety trial in 18 children with neuroblastoma.

The gene, obtained in a non-exclusive license from Genentech Inc. (GNE), will boost production of the immune messenger in tumor cells taken from patients and cultured in the lab. In response to gamma interferon, the cells will make MHC class I; when infused into the patients, these cells should enhance the immune response against the other tumor cells, the company told BioCentury. The cultured cells are irradiated before infusion so they cannot divide. ...