Viral agents
AssigneeBTG International Limited
InventorsRichard Iggo, Michele Brunori
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A viral DNA construct, and virus encoded thereby, is provided having one or more tumour specific transcription factor binding sites in place of one or more wild type transcription factor binding sites operatively positioned in the promoter region which controls expression of early genes responsible for viral nucleic acid replication. Preferred constructs place the tumour specific transcription factor binding sites in operative relation to DNA polymerase, DNA terminal protein and/or DNA binding protein. Compositions and constructs contained therein are provided, particularly for use in therapy. Methods of treating patients for neoplasms are also provided.
Claims36
A viral DNA construct encoding for a virus capable of replication in a human or animal tumour cell and causing death of such tumour cells characterised in that it comprises one or more selected transcription factor binding sites operatively positioned together with one or more early viral protein gene open reading frames such as to promote expression of these open reading frames in the presence of said selected transcription factor, the protein products of those open reading frames being mechanistically directly involved in viral construct nucleic acid replication and wherein the selected transcription factor binding sites are for a transcription factor the level or activity of which is increased in a human or animal tumour cell relative to that of a normal human or animal cell of the same type.
A virus encoding only wild type proteins other than one or more optional non-wild type non-cytotoxic marker proteins, for use in therapy.
Use of a viral DNA construct, or a virus, encoding only wild type proteins, other than one or more optional non-wild type non-cytotoxic marker proteins, in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of neoplasms.
A pharmaceutical composition comprising a viral DNA construct, or a virus encoded thereby, encoding only wild type proteins other than one or more optional non-wild type non-cytotoxic marker proteins, together with a physiologically acceptable carrier, wherein the composition is sterile and pyrogen free with the exception of the presence of the DNA or virus encoded thereby.
A method for treating a patient suffering from neoplasms wherein a virus encoding only wild type proteins other than one or more optional non-wild type non toxic-marker proteins is caused to infect tissues of the patient, including or restricted to those of the neoplasm, and allowed to replicate such that neoplasm cells are caused to be killed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.