title: Leuvectin Vical Inc.
abstract: Vical's Leuvectin, a plasmid DNA expression vector encoding interleukin-2 (IL-2) complexed with a lipid delivery vehicle (DMRIE/DOPE)for intratumoral injection, is under development as a potential gene therapy for cancer. In 1997, it was in phase II trials for kidney and prostate cancer [249445], [270243]. In April 2001, the phase II trial in kidney cancer was discontinued, with a new phase II trial planned for this indication [406405]. In May 2001, prostate cancer trials were ongoing [409071]. By March 1999, testing for other indications had been suspended, with the company's priority being to work toward the most promising indications [316709]. In November 2000, it was announced that Vical has been issued US-06147055 for the use of gene-based, non-viral delivery of IL-2 for the treatment of cancer. The company was also issued US-05641665 covering the Leuvectin construct in 1997 [389677].
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Akaushik@uoguelph.ca
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kaushik
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D004337:Drug Carriers; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D008055:Lipids; D008297:Male; D010714:Phosphatidylethanolamines; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000097:blood; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
chemical_list: C410262:1,2-dioleoyl-glycero-3-phosphatidyl ethanolamine; D004337:Drug Carriers; D007376:Interleukin-2; D008055:Lipids; D010714:Phosphatidylethanolamines; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; C087276:(3-dimyristyloxypropyl)(dimethyl)(hydroxyethyl)ammonium; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen