GAITHERSBURG, Md., March 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- GenVec, Inc. (Nasdaq: GNVC) announced the publication of new preclinical research revealing mechanisms by which TNFerade(TM) suppresses cancer metastases through activation of the immune system.

This preclinical study, "Ad.Egr-TNF and Local Ionizing Radiation Suppress Metastases by Interferon-Beta-Dependent Activation of Antigen-specific CD8+ T Cells," authored by investigators from the University of Chicago and Harvard Medical School, appears in the recent issue of Molecular Therapy. The results illustrate that local treatment of an animal tumor with TNFerade suppresses metastases to lymph nodes by activating CD8+ T cells. Activation of these anti-tumor cells is mediated by Interferon-Beta, a known potent immune regulator.

"Although enhanced local control of cancer can contribute to improvements in patient survival, any suppression of metastases is an important aspect of cancer treatment. These exciting preclinical data may help explain the encouraging results being seen with TNFerade in the clinic," noted Mark Thornton, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., GenVec's Senior Vice President of Product Development.

About TNFerade(TM)

TNFerade is an adenovector, or DNA carrier, which contains the gene for tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), an immune system protein with potent and well-documented anti-cancer effects, for direct injection into tumors. After administration, TNFerade stimulates the production of TNF-alpha in the tumor. GenVec is developing TNFerade for use in combination with radiation and/or chemotherapy for the treatment of various cancers.

About GenVec

GenVec, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutic drugs and vaccines. GenVec's lead product, TNFerade(TM), is currently in a pivotal clinical study (PACT) in locally advanced pancreatic cancer. TNFerade has also been and is currently being evaluated for its potential use in the treatment of several other cancers, including esophageal cancer, rectal cancer, and head and neck cancer. In addition, GenVec uses its proprietary adenovector technology to develop vaccines for infectious diseases including influenza, HIV, malaria, foot-and-mouth disease, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and HSV-2. GenVec also discovers and develops novel treatments for hearing loss and balance disorders through a worldwide collaboration with Novartis. Additional information about GenVec is available at www.genvec.com and in the company's various filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Investor Contact:
    GenVec, Inc.
    Danielle M. DiPirro
    (301) 944-1877
    ddipirro@genvec.com

    Media Contact:
    Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.
    Andrew Mielach
    (212) 827-0020
    amielach@tiberendstrategicadvisors.com

SOURCE GenVec, Inc.

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