Vascular Genetics

Vascular Genetics was a biotechnology company specializing in the development of gene therapies for cardiovascular and peripheral vascular diseases. The company was a pioneer in the field of therapeutic angiogenesis, a process often described as a "biologic bypass" to treat ischemia. Its core technology involved the delivery of plasmid DNA encoding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-2) to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels in patients with coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease. Founded by the late Dr. Jeffrey Isner, a prominent figure in cardiovascular research, the company operated in close collaboration with St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Boston. Human Genome Sciences, an early investor and strategic partner, eventually acquired the company in 2001 to consolidate its gene therapy assets.