GenVec and Novartis collaborate to develop novel treatments for hearing loss and balance disorders

GenVec, Inc. (Nasdaq: GNVC) today announced that the company has entered into a research collaboration and license agreement.  

GenVec and Novartis will collaborate to discover and develop novel treatments for hearing loss and balance disorders. Preclinical results suggest that delivery of the atonal gene using GenVec's innovative adenovector technology may have the potential to restore hearing and balance function.

Under terms of the agreement, GenVec is licensing the world-wide rights to its preclinical hearing loss and balance disorders program to Novartis.  GenVec will receive a $5 million upfront payment and Novartis has purchased $2 million in GenVec common stock.  In addition, GenVec will receive funding from Novartis for a research program focused on developing additional adenovectors for hearing loss.  If certain clinical, regulatory and sales milestones are met, GenVec is eligible to receive up to $213.6 million, including upfront and milestone payments, in addition to royalties on future sales.

"Hearing loss is a significant and growing problem for millions of people. Our technology has great promise and this collaboration provides an excellent mechanism to move the development of new treatments forward. We believe Novartis is an ideal collaborator for GenVec. They have the experience, expertise, and resources to develop and commercialize innovative products on a world-wide basis," said Dr. Paul Fischer, GenVec's President and Chief Executive Officer.