Despite promising science, the company faced periodic financial restructurings, including a significant workforce reduction in 2011 to conserve resources for early-stage programs.
Unlike traditional anti-angiogenic drugs that prevent new vessel formation, OXiGENE’s VDAs targeted existing immature blood vessels within tumors. These agents compromise the tumor's core vasculature, leading to extensive necrosis (cell death) within the center of the tumor.
A key Phase II trial showed that a combination of CA4P and Avastin significantly improved progression-free survival in ovarian cancer patients compared to Avastin alone. Oxigene
Lead candidate; received and Orphan Drug designations for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. OXi4503
The shift to Mateon Therapeutics reflected a broader focus on "Vascular Targeted Therapy" (VTT), which combines VDAs with anti-angiogenic agents to trap and destroy tumor cores while preventing new vessel growth. Historical Acquisitions: A key Phase II trial showed that a
In 2010, OXiGENE acquired VaxGen, Inc. in a stock-for-stock merger to bolster its cash reserves by approximately $33 million.
OXiGENE’s primary development programs were based on , natural products originally derived from the African bush willow tree. Drug Candidate Indication Current Status/Highlights CA4P (Fosbretabulin) Ovarian Cancer, Glioblastoma, Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Historical Acquisitions: In 2010
Investigated as a topical or systemic treatment to prevent abnormal blood vessel leakage in the eye.