OBN Local Biotechnology Forum (BioTuesday)  

In 2005, the OBN Cluster Report map identified 66 biotech companies in Oxfordshire, and in April 2006, the OBN BioCluster Map listed 85 biotech & healthcare companies in the County, however the OBN BioCluster Map 2007 lists over 125 such companies in Oxfordshire which amounts to a substantial increase. In this Local Biotechnology Forum, OBN will review the new companies to the cluster, reviewing University and company spin outs, acquisitions, and financings, and invite three of the new companies to the network to make short presentations to introduce themselves to the community.

Speakers (see full Company Profiles below)

(a) Mr. Adam Levy, Commercial Director, Amplion Ltd 
Medical Technology - In vitro diagnostic devices (available for out-licensing)

"2T-TA PCR:  a novel and fundamental method to improve the cost and efficiency of diagnostic PCR"

(b) Dr. Stuart Robinson, Head of Business Development, PepTcell Limited  
Biotechnology - Vaccines (infectious and parasitic diseases)

"The identification and development of novel T-cell epitope vaccines"

Programme

Registration: 6.00 - 6.30pm
Talks: 6.30 - 7.30pm (20 minutes per speaker plus Q&A)
Networking Reception: 8.00pm - 9.30pm

Directions to the Magdalen Centre, Robert Robinson Avenue, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA:

http://www.oxfordsp.com/directions_directions.html

Company Profiles

Amplion Ltd 
Organisation Description
Amplion has developed and patented a technology that permits the detection of carryover contamination in PCR.  This method increases the reliability and robustness of laboratory-based PCR, and allows the extension of PCR use into non-expert and near-patient settings.  Amplion is seeking potential partners to licence and commercialise this technolgy

Summary of Products and Technologies
Amplion has developed 2T-TA PCR, which is an improvement to the existing PCR methodology, widely employed in diagnostic and forensic testing.  2T-TA allows the detection of the major source of PCR contamination.  It involves no additional reagents, does not affect the sensitivity of the underlying assay, and is itself very sensitive.  Its application reduces significantly both fixed and marginal costs in high-throughput laboratories, and permits the extension of PCR towards near-patient and non-expert settings.
Partnering Aims
Amplion has proof-of-priniciple collaborations with UK and US laboratories, as well as studies underway with top tier diagnostic and ASR companies.

Corporate Highlights
Funded through to first license. Hold fundamental PCR patent with clean ISR.

Anticipated Corporate Highlights
Exclusive license for ASR market within Q2 2007.

PepTcell Limited

Organisation Description
PepTcell is a biotechnology company with a specific focus on immunology. The company uses proprietary computer algorithms and a database to predict the structure of novel T cell epitopes or peptides that could be used to control T-cell function and therefore be of use in the treatment of autoimmune diseases or function as vaccines.
Summary of Products and Technologies
PepTcell is working to develop vaccines to prevent the following infections and diseases.

- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Influenza strains A and B
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Mosquito borne diseases
- Rotavirus

Partnering Aims
PepTcell has recently completed a funding round and is in the financial position to progress at least six vaccine candidates to the completion of Phase 2 clinical trials.

PepTcell is seeking a marketing partner particularly for the influenza and HIV vaccine projects but is happy to discuss arrangements on the rest of the pipeline as well.  The company is willing to license these programmes either individually or together.  PepTcell are looking for a partner who would be able to assume responsibility for Phase 3 development, registration and marketing of the products.  The company is seeking to sign an agreement during 2007/2008 to ensure that the partner is in the position to make a contribution to the formulation, clinical development structure and regulatory strategy of the projects to ensure optimum value of the marketed product.

As PepTcell have the resources to progress the development of both of these projects independently the company is not seeking financial support from a partner at this stage.  The company is proposing a contract structure whereby payments from the partner would only be made when agreed targets had been met at the end of Phase 2 clinical development. Revenues to PepTcell would be based upon success milestones and royalty payments.  A signature payment would not be required. The company is not seeking to retain any marketing rights and is offering an exclusive license.  The contract would terminate in the event the project failed to meet Phase 2 objectives.