Active Biotech signs licensing agreement with Oxigene regarding benzamide IP

In 1999 Active Biotech began studying a series of Oxigene's benzamide substances, under a joint research agreement. The outcome of this research has produced a number of positive leads within Active Biotech´s novel small molecules research programme.

The agreement covers patents related to the overall protection of Active Biotechs research program, Oxigene's product Declopramide is not included in the agreement.

"We have taken the decision to focus Oxigene's research and development efforts exclusively on our vascular targeting agent technology platform," said Björn Nordenvall, M.D., Ph.D., Oxigene's chief executive officer. "Active Biotech has not only developed a great deal of expertise in the area but has also demonstrated the potential for these compounds in a number of disease areas. We are pleased that they will continue the development of the benzamides."

"This area complements well with our key competence within autoimmune and inflammatory diseases where Active Biotech has a research and development program that shows rapid progress. The agreement with Oxigene significantly reinforces our patent position in the area", says Tomas Leanderson, Vice President Research & Development, Active Biotech.

Lund 26 November 2001
Active Biotech AB (publ)

Sven Andréasson
President & CEO

OXiGENE, an international biopharmaceutical company, is the world leader in vascular targeting agents which destroy existing blood vessels associated with cancerous tumours, and which may have an application in the treatment of certain forms of blindness. With its flagship family of Combretastatin-based vascular targeting agents, OXiGENE is developing a diverse portfolio of innovative products to combat these conditions. The Company's mission is to in-license new therapeutics from academic partners, and develop new drugs that will enhance the effectiveness of traditional cancer treatments and to introduce innovative therapies that attack cancer and other diseases.

Active Biotech is a biotechnology company focusing on research in and development of pharmaceuticals. Active Biotech has a strong R&D portfolio and pipeline products with focus primarily on autoimmune/inflammatory diseases and cancer. Key projects include orally administered small molecules with unique immunomodulatory properties that can be used to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, as well as a novel concept for use in cancer immunotherapy.

Active Biotech AB
Box 724, SE-220 07 Lund, Sweden
Tel: +46 (0)46-19 20 00
Fax: +46 (0)46-19 20 50
e-mail info@activebiotech.com