In January 2017, GenVec (NASDAQ:GNVC) a clinical-stage company and early involved in the development of AdenoVerse gene delivery technology. was acquired by Intrexon Corporation. Intrexon indicated intend to integrate and expand upon GenVec's expertise in adenoviral vectors and cGMP drug product manufacturing to enhance its broad gene transfer capabilities that encompass multiple viral and non-viral platforms. The combined technologies have the potential to yield the next generation of adenoviral (AdV) delivery through the creation of a scalable manufacturing platform utilizing helper-dependent adenovirus with significantly higher payload capacity of >30kb, as compared to current viral delivery methods ranging from 4.5kb 9kb. With a storng SBIR involvement, GenVec, Inc. has been engaged in the development and commercialization of therapeutic proteins to treat diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and diseases of the eye. The company develops product candidates, such as TNFerade for oncology, BIOBYPASS for heart disease, cell therapy for cardiac repair, and AdPEDF program for ophthalmology. It is also collaborating with the U.S. Government for the development of vaccine candidates for HIV, SARS, malaria, and dengue virus. Its product candidate, TNFerade, which is in three Phase II trials, is used for the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer, nonmetastatic esophageal cancer, and rectal cancer. The BIOBYPASS product candidate has completed a Phase II trial in patients with heart diseases. Its Cell Transplantation Therapy is in Phase I trials for the treatment of congestive heart failure; and AdPEDF, is in Phase I trial for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration, a cause of blindness in individuals over the age of 50. In addition, the company is also developing cell transplantation technology for treating human diseases that are characterized by cell dysfunction or cell death. In 1994, the two gene therapy firms of GenVec and Theragen merged under the name of GenVec
