Genzyme Corp. entered into a collaboration on Monday with theImperial Cancer Research Fund (ICRF), of London, to develop genetherapies for cancer.

Genzyme will fund a technology manager who will work with thecharity's scientists to select projects at ICRF with gene therapypotential. Genzyme then would fund the development of suchprojects and pay ICRF a royalty on sales.

No money is involved initially except Genzyme's support for atechnology manager.

ICRF is a non-profit group with more than 1,000 doctors, scientistsand technicians.

Genzyme, of Cambridge, Mass., already has a presence in genetherapy. It has a two-part 40-patient gene therapy trial for cysticfibrosis ongoing. In one part an adenovirus vector containing anormal cystic fibrosis gene is administered directly into one lobe ofeach patient's lung. The other part involves aerosol administration.

The company also is in the preclinical stages of a gene therapyprogram for Gaucher disease. That work is being done incollaboration with IntroGene B.V., of Rijswijk, Netherlands.IntroGene's technology employs a retrovirus to introduce theglucocerebrosidase gene into bone marrow stem cells. Another genetherapy collaboration for Gaucher's disease is being conducted withthe University of Pittsburgh.

"Collaborating with the Imperial Cancer Research Fund, one of themost respected cancer research institutions in the world, presents anexciting opportunity for Genzyme and enhances our position as abroad-based gene therapy company," said Gail Maderis, Genzyme'svice president for gene therapy. _ Jim Shrine

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