Phogen

Phogen was a UK-based biotechnology joint venture established in 1998 by Cantab Pharmaceuticals and Marie Curie Cancer Care. The company was dedicated to developing the VP22 protein delivery platform, a technology derived from the herpes simplex virus that facilitates the movement of proteins and genetic material between cells. This "intercellular trafficking" mechanism was designed to enhance the reach and effectiveness of gene therapies and protein therapeutics, particularly for treating solid tumors. By fusing therapeutic proteins like p53 to the VP22 transport protein, Phogen aimed to ensure that the therapeutic effect spread beyond the initially transduced cells. Following the acquisition of Cantab Pharmaceuticals by Xenova Group in 2001, Phogen's operations were integrated into Xenova's portfolio, and the technology was later subject to various licensing agreements with major pharmaceutical firms.