In December 1995, Genetic Therapy Inc (NASDAQ:GTII) was acquired by Sandoz Ltd (merged with Ciba-Geigt Ltd to become Novartis) - a firm with which there had been a long standing working relationship. GTI is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Novartis and is now established as the Novartis Center of Excellence for gene therapy. Organized fromtheoutset around bringing to market gene therapy products for the treatment of life-threatening genetic and acquired diseases, Genetic Therapy's novel approach involved insertion of genes into cells to produce therapeutic proteins in the body, or the genetic vectors themselves can destroy cells that are malignant (oncolytic vectors). A pioneer in gene delivery technologies, GTI is focused on developing breakthrough solutions for the healthcare area considered most promising to gene therapy -- cancer. GTI holds a leading position in oncolytic vectors, viruses that selectively kills cancer cells, offering the prospect of effectively treating a wide range of cancers at increased safety and lower toxicity to patients. Complementing the emphasis on oncolytic vectors, GTI is also exploring gene therapies that attack tumors by inhibiting their blood supply, also known as anti-angiogenesis.