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This prospectus will allow us to issue, from time to time at prices and on terms to be determined at or prior to the time of the offering, up to $40,000,000 of any combination of the securities described in this prospectus, either individually or in units. We may also offer common stock or preferred stock upon conversion of or exchange for the debt securities; common stock upon conversion of or exchange for the preferred stock; common stock, preferred stock or debt securities upon the exercise of warrants, rights or performance of purchase contracts; or any combination of these securities upon the performance of purchase contracts.

The market value of our outstanding common equity held by non-affiliates on May 29, 2012 was approximately $14,910,649, based on 16,610,611 shares of outstanding common stock, of which 16,561,868 are held by non-affiliates, and a per share price of $0.9003 based on the closing sale price of our common stock on May 29, 2012. As of the date of this prospectus, we have sold securities in an aggregate offering amount of $13,178,689 pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6. of Form S-3 during the 12 calendar month period that ends on, and includes, the date of this prospectus.

This prospectus describes the general terms of these securities and the general manner in which these securities will be offered. We will provide you with the specific terms of any offering in one or more supplements to this prospectus. The prospectus supplements will also describe the specific manner in which these securities will be offered and may also supplement, update or amend information contained in this document. You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, as well as any documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, carefully before you invest.

Our securities may be sold directly by us to you, through agents designated from time to time or to or through underwriters or dealers. For additional information on the methods of sale, you should refer to the section entitled “Plan of Distribution” in this prospectus and in the applicable prospectus supplement. If any underwriters or agents are involved in the sale of our securities with respect to which this prospectus is being delivered, the names of such underwriters or agents and any applicable fees, commissions or discounts and over-allotment options will be set forth in a prospectus supplement. The price to the public of such securities and the net proceeds that we expect to receive from such sale will also be set forth in a prospectus supplement.

Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “OXGN.” On June 13, 2012, the last reported sale price of our common stock was $0.76 per share. The applicable prospectus supplement will contain information, where applicable, as to any other listing, if any, on The Nasdaq Capital Market or any securities market or other securities exchange of the securities covered by the prospectus supplement. Prospective purchasers of our securities are urged to obtain current information as to the market prices of our securities, where applicable.

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before deciding whether to invest in our securities, you should consider carefully the risks that we have described on page 6 of this prospectus under the caption “Risk Factors.” We may include specific risk factors in supplements to this prospectus under the caption “Risk Factors.” This prospectus may not be used to sell our securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may offer shares of our common stock and preferred stock, various series of debt securities and/or warrants, rights or purchase contracts to purchase any of such securities, either individually or in units, in one or more offerings, with a total value of up to $40,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer a type or series of securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering.

This prospectus does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. For a more complete understanding of the offering of the securities, you should refer to the registration statement, including its exhibits. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. However, no prospectus supplement will offer a security that is not registered and described in this prospectus at the time of its effectiveness. This prospectus, together with the applicable prospectus supplements and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus, includes all material information relating to the offering of securities under this prospectus. You should carefully read this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement, the information and documents incorporated herein by reference and the additional information under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” before making an investment decision.

You should rely only on the information we have provided or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent anything not contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You must not rely on any unauthorized information or representation. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the securities offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. You should assume that the information in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is accurate only as of the date on the front of the document and that any information we have incorporated herein by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of a security.

We further note that the representations, warranties and covenants made by us in any agreement that is filed as an exhibit to any document that is incorporated by reference in the accompanying prospectus were made solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreement, including, in some cases, for the purpose of allocating risk among the parties to such agreements, and should not be deemed to be a representation, warranty or covenant to you. Moreover, such representations, warranties or covenants were accurate only as of the date when made. Accordingly, such representations, warranties and covenants should not be relied on as accurately representing the current state of our affairs.

This prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of our securities, unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement. To the extent there are inconsistencies between any prospectus supplement, this prospectus and any documents incorporated by reference, the document with the most recent date will control.

Unless the context otherwise requires, “OXiGENE,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and similar terms refer to OXiGENE, Inc. and our subsidiaries.

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

The following is a summary of what we believe to be the most important aspects of our business and the offering of our securities under this prospectus. We urge you to read this entire prospectus, including the more detailed consolidated financial statements, notes to the consolidated financial statements and other information incorporated by reference from our other filings with the SEC or included in any applicable prospectus supplement. Investing in our securities involves risks. Therefore, carefully consider the risk factors set forth in any prospectus supplements and in our most recent annual and quarterly filings with the SEC, as well as other information in this prospectus and any prospectus supplements and the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein, before purchasing our securities. Each of the risk factors could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition, as well as adversely affect the value of an investment in our securities.

About OXiGENE, Inc.

We are a clinical-stage, biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics primarily to treat cancer. Our primary focus is the development of product candidates referred to as vascular disrupting agents, or VDAs, that selectively disable and destroy abnormal blood vessels that provide solid tumors a means of growth and survival, and also are associated with visual impairment in a number of ophthalmological diseases and conditions.

We intend to primarily target the development of our product candidates for the treatment of rare cancers that will be eligible for orphan drug status from the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA. Our lead candidate, ZYBRESTAT, has been awarded orphan drug status by the FDA and the European Commission in the European Union for the treatment of advanced anaplastic thyroid cancer, or ATC, and for the treatment of medullary, Stage IV papillary and Stage IV follicular thyroid cancers. The FDA has also granted Fast Track status to ZYBRESTAT for the treatment of regionally advanced and/or metastatic ATC, as well as in ovarian cancer.

By focusing on developing ZYBRESTAT in ATC, and potentially pursuing other rare or orphan indications, we believe we will be able to take advantage of significant benefits associated with orphan drug status, such as:

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Study design assistance from the appropriate FDA center,

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Exemption from application-filing fees,

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Possible grant funding for Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials,

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Tax credits for some clinical research expenses, and

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Seven years of marketing exclusivity after the approval of the drug.

The Orphan Drug Act was passed in January 1983 to stimulate the research, development, and approval of products that treat rare diseases. An orphan drug is defined as a product that treats a rare disease affecting fewer than 200,000 patients in the United States. Drugs are granted orphan status for a specific indication.

To date, more than 400 subjects have been treated with ZYBRESTAT in human clinical trials, and the drug candidate has generally been observed to be well-tolerated.

ZYBRESTAT for Oncology

ZYBRESTAT is a reversible tubulin binding agent that works by disrupting the network of blood vessels, or vasculature, within solid tumors, also referred to as vascular disruption. Vascular disruption leads to tumor hypoxia, which refers to the process of starving the tumor of vitally necessary oxygen supply and subsequent tumor cell death. More specifically, ZYBRESTAT selectively targets the existing abnormal and largely immature vasculature found specifically in most solid tumors and causes endothelial cells that make up the walls of the blood vessels in that vasculature to lose their normally flat shape and to become round, thus blocking the flow of blood to the tumor. The downstream tumor environment is then deprived of oxygen and nutrients, and the resulting restriction in blood supply kills the cells in the central portion of the tumor. Based on ZYBRESTAT’s positive activity observed in animal models, we have conducted multiple clinical trials of ZYBRESTAT in a variety of tumor types.

Our top priority is to pursue the clinical development of ZYBRESTAT in ATC. ATC is a very aggressive, rare but lethal cancer of the thyroid gland. Because of the rapid progression of the disease and the absence of effective therapies, median survival from the time of diagnosis is approximately 3-4 months. We have completed a Phase 2/3 clinical trial of ZYBRESTAT in patients with ATC, and we are currently planning a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of ZYBRESTAT in ATC, which we refer to as the FACT 2 trial. We believe that the FACT 2 trial represents a critical opportunity to demonstrate the value of our key asset, ZYBRESTAT, and has the potential to create significant value for our company and our shareholders. As such, our primary corporate strategy for 2012 is to secure sufficient funding to conduct the trial. We are also pursuing a special protocol assessment (SPA) for this program with the FDA, with the goal of laying the foundation for initiation of this global registration study. We believe completion of the FACT2 study, assuming continued positive clinical results, will be sufficient to obtain FDA approval and approval in Europe for the treatment of patients with advanced ATC.

Clinical Development of ZYBRESTAT in anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC)

In earlier Phase 1 studies of ZYBRESTAT in ATC, clinical investigators observed several objective responses in treatment with ZYBRESTAT, including a complete response lasting more than 13 years, in patients with ATC. A subsequent Phase 2 study in 26 ATC patients showed a 23% rate of one year survival in a disease where median expected survival of patients is approximately 3-4 months from the time of diagnosis and fewer than 10% of patients are typically alive at one year.

We subsequently conducted the FACT (fosbretabulin in anaplastic cancer of the thyroid) trial, a randomized Phase 2/3 study in ATC, which enrolled 80 patients between July 2007 and February 2010. A total of 40 clinical sites in 11 countries participated in this clinical study, which was conducted in accordance with good clinical practice guidelines and a Special Protocol Assessment, or SPA, with the FDA. The trial was originally designed to evaluate ZYBRESTAT in 180 patients as a potential treatment for ATC.

The primary endpoint for the FACT trial was overall survival. Eligible patients were randomized to receive either ZYBRESTAT in combination with the chemotherapeutic agents carboplatin and paclitaxel, or to the control arm of the study, in which they received only carboplatin and paclitaxel. Central pathology review by external pathologists not associated with the study was utilized to confirm the histological diagnosis prior to enrollment of patients.

Due to the rarity of the disease and the fact that many of the patients screened for the study did not meet the trial’s inclusion criteria or either died or no longer met the trial’s inclusion criteria, the enrollment period spanned more than twice the planned 18 month period. As a result of both the length of the enrollment period and financial constraints affecting us, in February 2010, we chose to continue to treat and follow all 80 patients who were enrolled in the Phase 2/3 FACT clinical trial in ATC in accordance with the SPA, but to stop further enrollment.

During a meeting on March 16, 2011, the FDA indicated that the data from the FACT trial are suggestive of possible clinical activity that may warrant continued development, and that to seek regulatory approval, we should plan to conduct an additional clinical trial with a survival endpoint. The FDA also confirmed that, as we expected, the SPA that had been agreed upon at the start of the study is no longer in effect.

In June 2011, Julie Sosa, M.D., Associate Professor of Surgery and of Medicine at Yale University and principal investigator in the Phase 2/3 study, presented final data from the trial at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Sosa presented data reflecting a median overall survival (OS) time of 5.2 months for patients who received ZYBRESTAT and chemotherapy compared with 4.0 months for patients receiving chemotherapy alone, representing a 28% reduction in the risk of death for patients receiving ZYBRESTAT and chemotherapy. For patients treated with ZYBRESTAT and chemotherapy, the data suggested that the likelihood of being alive at six months was 48% compared with 35% for patients treated with the control arm regimen. At one year, the data suggested that the likelihood of being alive was 26% for patients treated with ZYBRESTAT and chemotherapy compared with 9% for patients treated with chemotherapy alone. As in other studies, ZYBRESTAT appeared to be well tolerated.

We are currently planning to conduct a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of ZYBRESTAT in ATC, the FACT 2 trial, subject to obtaining sufficient financial resources in order to do so. A Company-sponsored Phase 3 registrational study of ZYBRESTAT in patients with ATC, as suggested by the FDA, would require significant additional capital. Due to the rarity of ATC, which afflicts only approximately 4,000 people worldwide per year, and the fact that the median length of survival from time of diagnosis for patients with ATC is only approximately 3-4 months, our strategy is to recruit patients to a large number of clinical trial sites to participate in the trial. We are hopeful that we can finance a large portion of the costs of this trial from private and/or public equity offerings; however, clinical trials are extremely costly and time-consuming, particularly in orphan indications such as ATC. Any significant progress related to this clinical trial will be dependent on obtaining sufficient financial resources in order to do so.

In December 2011, we established a partnership agreement to provide access to ZYBRESTAT for the treatment of patients in a specified territory with ATC on a compassionate use basis. Our newly formed named patient program, to be managed by Azanta Danmark A/S, or Azanta, provides a regulatory mechanism to allow healthcare professionals in the territory to prescribe ZYBRESTAT to individual ATC patients while it is still in development. Under the terms of the agreement, we will provide ZYBRESTAT to Azanta, and Azanta will serve as our exclusive distributor for ZYBRESTAT in the specified territory for this purpose. Azanta will provide ZYBRESTAT to physicians solely to treat ATC on a compassionate use basis in the territory covered by the agreement until such time as ZYBRESTAT may obtain marketing approval in that territory. The territory includes the European Union, including the Nordic countries and Switzerland, and Canada, and the agreement may also be expanded to include other countries on a country-by-country basis. We and Azanta will cooperate on regulatory activities relating to ZYBRESTAT for the treatment of ATC within the territory. There will be no transfer of ownership of intellectual property rights for ZYBRESTAT to Azanta under the terms of the agreement.

FALCON (fosbretabulin in advanced lung oncology) trial — randomized, controlled Phase 2 study with ZYBRESTAT in non-small cell lung cancer

We evaluated ZYBRESTAT in a randomized, controlled Phase 2 clinical trial, which we refer to as the FALCON trial, as a potential first-line treatment for stage IIIB/IV non-small cell lung cancer, or NSCLC. In the FALCON trial, patients were randomized either to the treatment arm of the study, in which they received ZYBRESTAT in combination with the chemotherapeutic agents, carboplatin and paclitaxel, and bevacizumab, a drug that interferes with blood vessel growth, or angiogenesis, or to the control arm of the study, in which they received a standard combination regimen of carboplatin, paclitaxel and bevacizumab. The objective of the

study was to determine the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of ZYBRESTAT at a dose of 60 mg/m2 in combination with carboplatin, paclitaxel and bevacizumab in Stage IIIB or IV non-squamous NSCLC. Primary endpoints of this study were safety of the combination therapy and progression-free survival; secondary endpoints were overall survival and objective response rate.

Edward Garon, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles and primary investigator in the study, presented the progression-free survival data from this study at the ASCO conference in Chicago, Illinois in June 2011. Dr. Garon’s updated analysis, conducted approximately 11 months after the enrollment of the last patient in June 2010, showed that the combination regimen of ZYBRESTAT plus bevacizumab, carboplatin and paclitaxel (ZYBRESTAT arm) appeared to be well-tolerated with no significant cumulative toxicities when compared with the control arm of the study. Dr. Garon’s presentation also included data on the achieved rate of objective response. In terms of Partial Response as Best Overall Tumor Response (Intent to Treat) patients on the active treatment arm including ZYBRESTAT achieved a 56% rate of objective response according to RECIST criteria, as compared to 36% on the control arm. Further analysis also suggested that the addition of ZYBRESTAT may benefit patients with a poorer performance status. Poor performance status in this context refers to patients who present with higher tumor burden or larger tumors, who have additional medical complications, who suffer from additional illnesses such as emphysema or diabetes, or who may be taking other medications.

Since the initial presentation of the progression-free survival data at ASCO 2011, the overall survival follow-up has continued with each patient having been followed for survival for at least one year following the initiation of study therapy. The final results from this analysis were available in November 2011, and the analysis of the data showed that the combination regimen of ZYBRESTAT plus bevacizumab, carboplatin and paclitaxel (ZYBRESTAT arm) was observed to be well-tolerated with no significant cumulative toxicities or overlapping toxicities with bevacizumab when compared with the control arm of the study (standard chemotherapy plus bevacizumab). However, for the overall patient population, no survival benefit was observed for patients receiving ZYBRESTAT. Similar to the initial findings regarding progression-free survival, an analysis of patients with more advanced disease as indicated by a tumor burden greater than 10 cm or poor performance status suggested meaningful improvements in overall survival for patients receiving ZYBRESTAT in addition to bevacizumab and chemotherapy.

While we believe that these data could be used to design a specific clinical program with ZYBRESTAT and more generally, provide clinical validation supporting further evaluation of ZYBRESTAT in patients with poor-prognosis NSCLC in combination with standard chemotherapy and anti-VEGF therapy, there is no precedent and no established regulatory pathway for such an approach. Therefore, we are not currently actively pursuing poor-prognosis NSCLC as a target indication.

ZYBRESTAT in ovarian cancer

At the 2009 ASCO Annual Meeting, we reported positive final data from an investigator-sponsored Phase 2 study of ZYBRESTAT and carboplatin plus paclitaxel chemotherapy in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is an orphan indication, and OXiGENE has received orphan designation for ZYBRESTAT in this indication.

Based on the results of this Phase 2, single-arm, two-stage study, in February 2011, we entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP) to collaborate on the conduct of a randomized Phase 2 trial of ZYBRESTAT in combination with bevacizumab in up to 110 patients with relapsed, platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer. Under the terms of the agreement, we are providing ZYBRESTAT to NCI for an NCI-sponsored study being conducted by the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG), an organization dedicated to clinical research in the field of gynecologic cancer. The aim of the trial will be to determine if the combination of ZYBRESTAT and bevacizumab will enhance anti-tumor effects and further delay tumor progression when compared to bevacizumab alone. Investigators initiated enrollment in this Phase 2 study in the first half of 2011, and this study is actively recruiting patients. The primary endpoint of the study will be progression-free survival, with results expected to become available in early 2013.

The June 2011 ASCO meeting in Chicago, Illinois included an announcement that the addition of Avastin (bevacizumab) to a chemotherapy regimen reduces the risk of progression in patients with platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer. This is of particular interest to OXiGENE in view of the NCI / CTEP Phase 2 study of ZYBRESTAT in combination with bevacizumab for platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer patients, and we are encouraged to see additional data from other studies supporting use of bevacizumab in platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer patients.

Possible areas for future development

ATC and ovarian cancer, and potentially other orphan indications, represent areas for further development and significant unmet medical needs, and thus significant potential commercial market opportunities.

Further development of our ongoing clinical trials will depend on continuing analysis and results of ongoing clinical studies, as well as available financial resources and/or potential partnering activities.

OXi4503, a unique, second generation VDA for oncology indications

We are currently pursuing development of OXi4503, a second-generation, dual-mechanism VDA, as a treatment for certain solid tumor types and for the treatment of myeloid leukemias, which also represent orphan indications. We believe that OXi4503 is differentiated from other VDAs by its dual-action activity: in addition to having potent vascular disrupting effects, OXi4503 is unique in that certain enzymes in the human body can help convert it to a form of chemical that has direct tumor cell killing effects. We believe this unique property may result in enhanced anti-tumor activity in certain tumor types as compared with other VDA drug

candidates. Based on data from preclinical studies, we believe that OXi4503 may have enhanced activity in tumor types with relatively high levels of the enzymes that facilitate the conversion of OXi4503 to the form of chemical that kills tumor cells. These tumor types include hepatocellular carcinoma, melanoma, and leukemias of the myeloid lineage. In preclinical studies, OXi4503 has shown potent anti-tumor activity against solid tumors and acute myeloid leukemia models, both as a single agent and in combination with other cancer treatment modalities.

We have completed a Phase 1 clinical trial of OXi4503 in patients with advanced solid tumors sponsored by Cancer Research United Kingdom. In collaboration with us, Professor Gordon Rustin and colleagues from the Mount Vernon Cancer Research Centre, UK and other institutions in the United Kingdom, reported positive final data from this study at the 2010 ASCO Annual Meeting. In this study, 45 patients with advanced solid tumors who had declined or were unresponsive to standard treatment were treated with escalating doses of OXi4503. Partial responses were observed in two patients with epithelial ovarian cancer and stable disease was observed in 9 patients. OXi4503 was also observed to be well-tolerated in this study. To date, OXi4503 has been observed to have a manageable side-effect profile similar to that of other agents in the VDA class, potential single-agent clinical activity, and effects on tumor blood flow and tumor metabolic activity, as determined with several imaging modalities. We also evaluated escalating doses of OXi4503 in an OXiGENE-sponsored Phase 1b trial, initiated in the first quarter of 2009 in patients with solid tumors with hepatic involvement. This study confirmed the recommended dose established in the first Phase 1 study. Currently, we are exploring possible clinical studies but we have no firm plans to continue the evaluation of OXi4503 in patients with solid tumors.

Based on the results of preclinical studies published in the journal Blood in September 2010 that show OXi4503 has potent activity against acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) in animal models, we entered into a clinical trial agreement pursuant to which investigators at the University of Florida initiated an investigator sponsored Phase 1 study of OXi4503 in patients with AML or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in May 2011. This open-label, dose-escalating study for the treatment of up to 36 patients is being conducted in patients with relapsed or refractory AML and MDS and will evaluate the safety profile, maximum tolerated dose and biologic activity of OXi4503 in these patients. We expect that initial indications of biologic activity from this study may be available in the fourth quarter of 2012.

The general direction of future development of OXi4503 for hematologic indications will depend on the outcome of the analysis of the study in AML, as well as available financial resources and potential partnering activities.

ZYBRESTAT for Ophthalmology

In addition to developing ZYBRESTAT as an intravenously administered therapy for oncology indications, we have previously undertaken an ophthalmology research and development program with ZYBRESTAT with the ultimate goal of developing a topical formulation of ZYBRESTAT for ophthalmological diseases and conditions that are characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth within the eye that result in loss of vision. Due to financial constraints, we are not actively pursuing development in this area at this time.

Additional Information

We are a Delaware corporation, incorporated in 1988 in the state of New York and reincorporated in 1992 in the state of Delaware, with our principal corporate office at 701 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 210, South San Francisco, California 94080 (telephone: (650) 635-7000, fax: (650) 635-7001). Our website address is www.oxigene.com. The information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into, and does not form any part of, this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement. We have included our website address as a factual reference and do not intend it to be an active link to our website.

Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports, are available free of charge through the “Investors—SEC Filings” section of our website as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials have been electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.

Offerings Under This Prospectus

Under this prospectus, we may offer shares of our common stock and preferred stock, various series of debt securities and/or warrants, rights or purchase contracts to purchase any of such securities, either individually or in units, with a total value of up to $40,000,000, from time to time at prices and on terms to be determined by market conditions at the time of the offering. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer a type or series of securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will describe the specific amounts, prices and other important terms of the securities, including, to the extent applicable:

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designation or classification;

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aggregate principal amount or aggregate offering price;

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maturity, if applicable;

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rates and times of payment of interest or dividends, if any;

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redemption, conversion or sinking fund terms, if any;

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voting or other rights, if any; and

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conversion or exercise prices, if any.

The prospectus supplement also may add, update or change information contained in this prospectus or in documents we have incorporated by reference into this prospectus. However, no prospectus supplement will fundamentally change the terms that are set forth in this prospectus or offer a security that is not registered and described in this prospectus at the time of the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

We may sell the securities directly to investors or to or through agents, underwriters or dealers. We, and our agents or underwriters, reserve the right to accept or reject all or part of any proposed purchase of securities. If we offer securities through agents or underwriters, we will include in the applicable prospectus supplement:

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the names of those agents or underwriters;

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applicable fees, discounts and commissions to be paid to them;

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details regarding over-allotment options, if any; and

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the net proceeds to us.

This prospectus may not be used to consummate a sale of any securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

Investing in our securities involves significant risk. The prospectus supplement applicable to each offering of our securities will contain a discussion of the risks applicable to an investment in OXiGENE. Prior to making a decision about investing in our securities, you should carefully consider the specific factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the applicable prospectus supplement, together with all of the other information contained or incorporated by reference in the prospectus supplement or appearing or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You should also consider the risks, uncertainties and assumptions discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” included in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, as revised or supplemented by our subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or our current reports on Form 8-K on file with the SEC, all of which are incorporated herein by reference, and which may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time by other reports we file with the SEC in the future. The risks and uncertainties we have described are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our operations.

If any debt securities or preferred stock are offered pursuant to this prospectus, we will provide a table setting forth our ratio of earnings to fixed charges or ratio of combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends on a historical basis in the applicable prospectus supplement, if required.

The SEC encourages companies to disclose forward-looking information so that investors can better understand a company’s future prospects and make informed investment decisions. This prospectus and the documents we have filed with the SEC that are incorporated herein by reference contain such “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Such statements in connection with any discussion of future operations or financial performance are identified by the use of words such as “may,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” and other words and terms of similar meaning. Such statements are based on management’s expectations and are subject to certain factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, outcome of events, timing and performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to: the initiation, timing, progress and results of our preclinical and clinical trials, research and development programs; the further preclinical or clinical development and commercialization of our product candidates; the potential benefits of our product candidates over other therapies; the timing, costs and other limitations involved in obtaining regulatory approval for any product; our ability to enter into any collaboration with respect to product candidates; our ability to protect our intellectual property and operate our business without infringing upon the intellectual property rights of others; our ability to retain the services of our current executive officers, directors and principal consultants; our estimates of future performance; our estimates regarding anticipated operating losses, future revenue, expenses, capital requirements and our needs for additional financing; and other factors detailed under the heading “Risk Factors” in this prospectus as updated and supplemented by the discussion of risks and uncertainties under “Risk Factors” contained in any supplements to this prospectus and in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, as revised or supplemented by our subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or our

current reports on Form 8-K, as well as any amendments thereto, as filed with the SEC and which are incorporated herein by reference. The information contained in this document is believed to be current as of the date of this document. We do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this document to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations, except as required by law.

In light of these assumptions, risks and uncertainties, the results and events discussed in the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus or in any document incorporated herein by reference might not occur. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this prospectus or the date of the document incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We are not under any obligation, and we expressly disclaim any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All subsequent forward-looking statements attributable to us or to any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section.

We cannot assure you that we will receive any proceeds in connection with securities which may be offered pursuant to this prospectus. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use any net proceeds from the sale of securities under this prospectus for our operations and for other general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, our internal research and development programs and the development of new technologies, general working capital and possible future acquisitions. We have not determined the amounts we plan to spend on any of the areas listed above or the timing of these expenditures. As a result, our management will have broad discretion to allocate the net proceeds, if any, we receive in connection with securities offered pursuant to this prospectus for any purpose. Pending application of the net proceeds as described above, we may initially invest the net proceeds in short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing securities or apply them to the reduction of short-term indebtedness.

We may offer securities under this prospectus from time to time pursuant to underwritten public offerings, negotiated transactions, block trades or a combination of these methods. We may sell the securities (1) through underwriters or dealers, (2) through agents or (3) directly to one or more purchasers, or through a combination of such methods. We may distribute the securities from time to time in one or more transactions at:

We may directly solicit offers to purchase the securities being offered by this prospectus. We may also designate agents to solicit offers to purchase the securities from time to time. We will name in a prospectus supplement any underwriter or agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities.

If we utilize a dealer in the sale of the securities being offered by this prospectus, we will sell the securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell the securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by the dealer at the time of resale.

If we utilize an underwriter in the sale of the securities being offered by this prospectus, we will execute an underwriting agreement with the underwriter at the time of sale, and we will provide the name of any underwriter in the prospectus supplement which the underwriter will use to make resales of the securities to the public. In connection with the sale of the securities, we, or the purchasers of the securities for whom the underwriter may act as agent, may compensate the underwriter in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions. The underwriter may sell the securities to or through dealers, and the underwriter may compensate those dealers in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions.

With respect to underwritten public offerings, negotiated transactions and block trades, we will provide in the applicable prospectus supplement information regarding any compensation we pay to underwriters, dealers or agents in connection with the offering of the securities, and any discounts, concessions or commissions allowed by underwriters to participating dealers. Underwriters, dealers and agents participating in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and any discounts and commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions. We may enter into agreements to indemnify underwriters, dealers and agents against civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments they may be required to make in respect thereof.

If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize underwriters or other persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase securities from us pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and

delivery on the date stated in the prospectus supplement. Each contract will be for an amount not less than, and the aggregate amount of securities sold pursuant to such contracts shall not be less nor more than, the respective amounts stated in the prospectus supplement. Institutions with whom the contracts, when authorized, may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and other institutions, but shall in all cases be subject to our approval. Delayed delivery contracts will not be subject to any conditions except that:

Shares of our common stock sold pursuant to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part will be authorized for quotation and trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market. The applicable prospectus supplement will contain information, where applicable, as to any other listing, if any, on The Nasdaq Capital Market or any securities market or other securities exchange of the securities covered by the prospectus supplement. We can make no assurance as to the liquidity of or the existence of trading markets for any of the securities.

In order to facilitate the offering of the securities, certain persons participating in the offering may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the securities. This may include over-allotments or short sales of the securities, which involve the sale by persons participating in the offering of more securities than we sold to them. In these circumstances, these persons would cover such over-allotments or short positions by making purchases in the open market or by exercising their over-allotment option. In addition, these persons may stabilize or maintain the price of the securities by bidding for or purchasing the applicable security in the open market or by imposing penalty bids, whereby selling concessions allowed to dealers participating in the offering may be reclaimed if the securities sold by them are repurchased in connection with stabilization transactions. The effect of these transactions may be to stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. These transactions may be discontinued at any time.

In compliance with the guidelines of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., or FINRA, the maximum consideration or discount to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker dealer may not exceed 8% of the aggregate amount of the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement.

The underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in other transactions with us, or perform other services for us, in the ordinary course of their business.

We are authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share. On May 29, 2012, we had 16,610,611 shares of common stock outstanding and approximately 78 stockholders of record.

The following summary of certain provisions of our common stock does not purport to be complete. You should refer to our restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws, both of which are included as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The summary below is also qualified by provisions of applicable law.

Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders, and do not have cumulative voting rights. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding shares of preferred stock, holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors out of funds legally available for dividend payments. All shares of common stock outstanding as of the date of this prospectus and, upon issuance and sale, all shares of common stock that we may offer pursuant to this prospectus, will be fully paid and nonassessable. The holders of common stock have no preferences or rights of conversion, exchange, pre-emption or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our affairs, holders of common stock will be entitled to share ratably in our assets that are remaining after payment or provision for payment of all of our debts and obligations and after liquidation payments to holders of outstanding shares of preferred stock, if any.

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC.

Our common stock is listed for quotation on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “OXGN.”

We are authorized to issue 15,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of May 29, 2012, no shares of our preferred stock were outstanding or designated. The following summary of certain provisions of our preferred stock does not purport to be complete. You should refer to our restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws, both of which are included as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The summary below is also qualified by provisions of applicable law.

Our board of directors may, without further action by our stockholders, from time to time, direct the issuance of shares of preferred stock in series and may, at the time of issuance, determine the rights, preferences and limitations of each series, including voting rights, dividend rights and redemption and liquidation preferences. Satisfaction of any dividend preferences of outstanding shares of preferred stock would reduce the amount of funds available for the payment of dividends on shares of our common stock. Holders of shares of preferred stock may be entitled to receive a preference payment in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our company before any payment is made to the holders of shares of our common stock. In some circumstances, the issuance of shares of preferred stock may render more difficult or tend to discourage a merger, tender offer or proxy contest, the assumption of control by a holder of a large block of our securities or the removal of incumbent management. Upon the affirmative vote of our board of directors, without stockholder approval, we may issue shares of preferred stock with voting and conversion rights which could adversely affect the holders of shares of our common stock.

If we offer a specific series of preferred stock under this prospectus, we will describe the terms of the preferred stock in the prospectus supplement for such offering and will file a copy of the certificate establishing the terms of the preferred stock with the SEC. To the extent required, this description will include:

The transfer agent and registrar for our preferred stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The following description, together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus. While the terms we have summarized below will apply generally to any future debt securities we may offer pursuant to this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any debt securities that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. If we so indicate in a prospectus supplement, the terms of any debt securities offered under such prospectus supplement may differ from the terms we describe below, and to the extent the terms set forth in a prospectus supplement differ from the terms described below, the terms set forth in the prospectus supplement shall control.

We may sell from time to time, in one or more offerings under this prospectus, debt securities, which may be senior or subordinated. We will issue any such senior debt securities under a senior indenture that we will enter into with a trustee to be named in the senior indenture. We will issue any such subordinated debt securities under a subordinated indenture, which we will enter into with a trustee to be named in the subordinated indenture. We have filed forms of these documents as exhibits to the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part. We use the term “indentures” to refer to either the senior indenture or the subordinated indenture, as applicable. The indentures will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as in effect on the date of the indenture. We use the term “debenture trustee” to refer to either the trustee under the senior indenture or the trustee under the subordinated indenture, as applicable.

The following summaries of material provisions of the senior debt securities, the subordinated debt securities and the indentures are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the indenture applicable to a particular series of debt securities.

Each indenture provides that debt securities may be issued from time to time in one or more series and may be denominated and payable in foreign currencies or units based on or relating to foreign currencies. Neither indenture limits the amount of debt securities that may be issued thereunder, and each indenture provides that the specific terms of any series of debt securities shall be set forth in, or determined pursuant to, an authorizing resolution and/or a supplemental indenture, if any, relating to such series.

We will describe in each prospectus supplement the following terms relating to a series of debt securities:

We may issue debt securities that provide for an amount less than their stated principal amount to be due and payable upon declaration of acceleration of their maturity pursuant to the terms of the indenture. We will provide you with information on the federal income tax considerations and other special considerations applicable to any of these debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.

We will set forth in the prospectus supplement the terms, if any, on which a series of debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock or our other securities. We will include provisions as to whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option. We may include provisions pursuant to which the number of shares of our common stock or our other securities that the holders of the series of debt securities receive would be subject to adjustment.

Consolidation, Merger or Sale; No Protection in Event of a Change of Control or Highly Leveraged Transaction

The indentures do not contain any covenant that restricts our ability to merge or consolidate, or sell, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets. However, any successor to or acquirer of such assets must assume all of our obligations under the indentures or the debt securities, as appropriate.

Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not contain any provisions that may afford holders of the debt securities protection in the event we have a change of control or in the event of a highly leveraged transaction (whether or not such transaction results in a change of control), which could adversely affect holders of debt securities.

The following are events of default under the indentures with respect to any series of debt securities that we may issue:

No event of default with respect to a particular series of debt securities (except as to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization) necessarily constitutes an event of default with respect to any other series of debt securities. The occurrence of an event of default may constitute an event of default under any bank credit agreements we may have in existence from time to time. In addition, the occurrence of certain events of default or an acceleration under the indenture may constitute an event of default under certain of our other indebtedness outstanding from time to time.

If an event of default with respect to debt securities of any series at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing, then the trustee or the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may, by a notice in writing to us (and to the debenture trustee if given by the holders), declare to be due and payable immediately the principal (or, if the debt securities of that series are discount securities, that portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) of and premium and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all debt securities of that series. Before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained with respect to debt securities of any series, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series (or, at a meeting of holders of such series at which a quorum is present, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of such series represented at such meeting) may rescind and annul the acceleration if all events of default, other than the non-payment of accelerated principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, with respect to debt securities of that series, have been cured or waived as provided in the applicable indenture (including payments or deposits in respect of principal, premium or interest that had become due other than as a result of such acceleration). We refer you to the prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities that are discount securities for the particular provisions relating to acceleration of a portion of the principal amount of such discount securities upon the occurrence of an event of default.

Subject to the terms of the indentures, if an event of default under an indenture shall occur and be continuing, the debenture trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under such indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of the applicable series of debt securities, unless such holders have offered the debenture trustee reasonable indemnity. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the debenture trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the debenture trustee, with respect to the debt securities of that series, provided that:

A holder of the debt securities of any series will only have the right to institute a proceeding under the indentures or to appoint a receiver or trustee, or to seek other remedies if:

These limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a holder of debt securities if we default in the payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest on, the debt securities.

We will periodically file statements with the applicable debenture trustee regarding our compliance with specified covenants in the applicable indenture.

The debenture trustee and we may change the applicable indenture without the consent of any holders with respect to specific matters, including:

In addition, under the indentures, the rights of holders of a series of debt securities may be changed by us and the debenture trustee with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series (or, at a meeting of holders of such series at which a quorum is present, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of such series represented at such meeting) that is affected. However, the debenture trustee and we may make the following changes only with the consent of each holder of any outstanding debt securities affected:

Except for certain specified provisions, the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series (or, at a meeting of holders of such series at which a quorum is present, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of such series represented at such meeting) may on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series waive our compliance with provisions of the indenture. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may on behalf of the holders of all the debt securities of such series waive any past default under the indenture with respect to that series and its consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal of, premium or any interest on any debt security of that series or in respect of a covenant or provision, which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security of the series affected; provided, however, that the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from the acceleration.

Each indenture provides that we can elect to be discharged from our obligations with respect to one or more series of debt securities, except for obligations to:

In order to exercise our rights to be discharged with respect to a series, we must deposit with the trustee money or government obligations sufficient to pay all the principal of, the premium, if any, and interest on, the debt securities of the series on the dates payments are due.

We will issue the debt securities of each series only in fully registered form without coupons and, unless we otherwise specify in the applicable prospectus supplement, in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. The indentures provide that we may issue debt securities of a series in temporary or permanent global form and as book-entry securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company or another depositary named by us and identified in a prospectus supplement with respect to that series.

At the option of the holder, subject to the terms of the indentures and the limitations applicable to global securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement, the holder of the debt securities of any series can exchange the debt securities for other debt securities of the same series, in any authorized denomination and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount.

Subject to the terms of the indentures and the limitations applicable to global securities set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the debt securities may present the debt securities for exchange or for registration of transfer, duly endorsed or with the form of transfer endorsed thereon duly executed if so required by us or the security registrar, at the office of the security registrar or at the office of any transfer agent designated by us for this purpose. Unless otherwise provided in the debt securities that the holder presents for transfer or exchange or in the applicable indenture, we will make no service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange, but we may require payment of any taxes or other governmental charges.

We will name in the applicable prospectus supplement the security registrar, and any transfer agent in addition to the security registrar, that we initially designate for any debt securities. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents or rescind the designation of any transfer agent or approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts, except that we will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of each series.

If we elect to redeem the debt securities of any series, we will not be required to:

The debenture trustee, other than during the occurrence and continuance of an event of default under the applicable indenture, undertakes to perform only those duties as are specifically set forth in the applicable indenture. Upon an event of default under an indenture, the debenture trustee under such indenture must use the same degree of care as a prudent person would exercise or use in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to this provision, the debenture trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers given it by the indentures at the request of any holder of debt securities unless it is offered reasonable security and indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that it might incur.

Unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will make payment of the interest on any debt securities on any interest payment date to the person in whose name the debt securities, or one or more predecessor securities, are registered at the close of business on the regular record date for the interest.

We will pay principal of and any premium and interest on the debt securities of a particular series at the office of the paying agents designated by us, except that unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, will we make interest payments by check which we will mail to the holder. Unless we otherwise indicate in a prospectus supplement, we will designate the corporate trust office of the debenture trustee in the City of New York as our sole paying agent for payments with respect to debt securities of each series. We will name in the applicable prospectus supplement any other paying agents that we initially designate for the debt securities of a particular series. We will maintain a paying agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of a particular series.

All money we pay to a paying agent or the debenture trustee for the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any debt securities which remains unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable will be repaid to us, and the holder of the security thereafter may look only to us for payment thereof.

The indentures and the debt securities will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, except to the extent that the Trust Indenture Act is applicable.

Our obligations pursuant to any subordinated debt securities will be unsecured and will be subordinate and junior in priority of payment to certain of our other indebtedness to the extent described in a prospectus supplement. The subordinated indenture does not limit the amount of senior indebtedness we may incur. It also does not limit us from issuing any other secured or unsecured debt.

We may issue warrants to purchase shares of our common stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities in one or more series together with other securities or separately, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Below is a description of certain general terms and provisions of the warrants that we may offer. Particular terms of the warrants will be described in the warrant agreements and the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants.

The applicable prospectus supplement will contain, where applicable, the following terms of and other information relating to the warrants:

The transfer agent and registrar for any warrants will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

We may issue rights to our stockholders to purchase shares of our common stock, preferred stock or the other securities described in this prospectus. We may offer rights separately or together with one or more additional rights, debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, warrants or purchase contracts, or any combination of those securities in the form of units, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Each series of rights will be issued under a separate rights agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as rights agent. The rights agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the certificates relating to the rights of the series of certificates and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of rights certificates or beneficial owners of rights. The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the rights to which any prospectus supplement may relate. The particular terms of the rights to which any prospectus supplement may relate and the extent, if any, to which the general provisions may apply to the rights so offered will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. To the extent that any particular terms of the rights, rights agreement or rights certificates described in a prospectus supplement differ from any of the terms described below, then the terms described below will be deemed to have been superseded by that prospectus supplement. We encourage you to read the applicable rights agreement and rights certificate for additional information before you decide whether to purchase any of our rights.

We will provide in a prospectus supplement the following terms of the rights being issued:

Each right will entitle the holder of rights to purchase for cash the principal amount of shares of common stock, preferred stock or other securities at the exercise price provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. Rights may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for the rights provided in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Holders may exercise rights as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Upon receipt of payment and the rights certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the rights agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, forward the shares of common stock, preferred stock or other securities, as applicable, purchasable upon exercise of the rights. If less than all of the rights issued in any rights offering are exercised, we may offer any unsubscribed securities directly to persons other than stockholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, including pursuant to standby arrangements, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The rights agent for any rights we offer will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

We may issue purchase contracts, including contracts obligating holders to purchase from us, and for us to sell to holders, a specific or variable number of our debt securities, shares of common stock, preferred stock, warrants or rights, or securities of an entity unaffiliated with us, or any combination of the above, at a future date or dates. Alternatively, the purchase contracts may obligate us to purchase from holders, and obligate holders to sell to us, a specific or variable number of our debt securities, shares of common stock, preferred stock, warrants, rights or other property, or any combination of the above. The price of the securities or other property subject to the purchase contracts may be fixed at the time the purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula described in the purchase contracts. We may issue purchase contracts separately or as a part of units each consisting of a purchase contract and one or more of our other securities described in this prospectus or securities of third parties, including U.S. Treasury securities, securing the holder’s obligations under the purchase contract. The purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to holders or vice versa and the payments may be unsecured or pre-funded on some basis. The purchase contracts may require holders to secure the holder’s obligations in a manner specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any purchase contracts in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered, including, to the extent applicable, the following:

The preceding description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the purchase contracts to which any prospectus supplement may relate. The particular terms of the purchase contracts to which any prospectus supplement may relate and the extent, if any, to which the general provisions may apply to the purchase contracts so offered will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. To the extent that any particular terms of the purchase contracts described in a prospectus supplement differ from any of the terms described above, then the terms described above will be deemed to have been superseded by that prospectus supplement. We encourage you to read the applicable purchase contract for additional information before you decide whether to purchase any of our purchase contracts.

The following description, together with the additional information that we include in any applicable prospectus supplements summarizes the material terms and provisions of the units that we may offer under this prospectus. While the terms we have summarized below will apply generally to any units that we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any series of units in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of any units offered under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below.

We will incorporate by reference from reports that we file with the SEC, the form of unit agreement that describes the terms of the series of units we are offering, and any supplemental agreements, before the issuance of the related series of units. The following summaries of material terms and provisions of the units are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the unit agreement and any supplemental agreements applicable to a particular series of units. We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplements related to the particular series of units that we may offer under this prospectus, as well as any related free writing prospectuses and the complete unit agreement and any supplemental agreements that contain the terms of the units.

We may issue units consisting of common stock, preferred stock, one or more debt securities, warrants, rights or purchase contacts for the purchase of common stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities in one or more series, in any combination. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each security included in the unit. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date.

We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the series of units being offered, including:

The provisions described in this section, as well as those set forth in any prospectus supplement or as described under “Description of Common Stock,” “Description of Preferred Stock,” “Description of Debt Securities,” “Description of Warrants,” “Description of Rights” and “Description of Purchase Contracts” will apply to each unit, as applicable, and to any common stock, preferred stock, debt security, warrant, right or purchase contract included in each unit, as applicable.

The name and address of the unit agent for any units we offer will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

We may issue units in such amounts and in such numerous distinct series as we determine.

Each unit agent will act solely as our agent under the applicable unit agreement and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with any holder of any unit. A single bank or trust company may act as unit agent for more than one series of units. A unit agent will have no duty or responsibility in case of any default by us under the applicable unit agreement or unit, including any duty or responsibility to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise, or to make any demand upon us. Any holder of a unit may, without the consent of the related unit agent or the holder of any other unit, enforce by appropriate legal action its rights as holder under any security included in the unit.

CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF DELAWARE LAW AND OF THE COMPANY’S CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS

In addition to the board of directors’ ability to issue shares of preferred stock, our restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws contain other provisions that are intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of the board of directors and which may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a future takeover or change in control of our company unless such takeover or change in control is approved by our board of directors.

These provisions, summarized below, are expected to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our board of directors. We believe that the benefits of increased protection of our potential ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure us outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging these proposals because negotiation of these proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.

Advance notice provisions for stockholder proposals. Our amended and restated bylaws establish an advance notice procedure for stockholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting of our stockholders, including proposed nominations of persons for election to our board of directors, as well as procedures for including proposed nominations at special meetings at which directors are to be elected. Stockholders at our annual meeting may only consider proposals or nominations specified in the notice of meeting or brought before the meeting by or at the direction of our board or by a stockholder who was a stockholder of record on the record date for the meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has given to our secretary timely written notice, in proper form, of the stockholder’s intention to bring that business before the meeting, and who has complied with the procedures and requirements set forth in the bylaws. Although our bylaws do not give our board of directors the power to approve or disapprove stockholder nominations of candidates or proposals regarding other business to be conducted at a special or annual meeting, our bylaws may have the effect of precluding the conduct of some business at a meeting if the proper procedures are not followed or may discourage or defer a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us.

Special meetings of stockholders. Special meetings of the stockholders may be called only by our board of directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of our directors.

No stockholder action by written consent. Our amended and restated bylaws do not permit our stockholders to act by written consent. As a result, any action to be effected by our stockholders must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of the stockholders.

Super-majority stockholder vote required for certain actions. Our amended and restated bylaws require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of our outstanding voting stock in order to amend the bylaws. Our amended and restated bylaws may also be amended or repealed by a vote of a majority of our directors.

Stockholder Rights Agreement. On March 24, 2005 our Board of Directors declared a dividend of one common stock purchase right for each outstanding share of our voting common stock, $0.01 par value per share, to stockholders of record at the close of business on April 4, 2005. Each right entitles the registered holder to purchase from us one share of common stock, at a purchase price of $50.00 in cash, subject to adjustment. The description and terms of the rights are set forth in a Stockholder Rights Agreement, as amended, between us and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights Agent.

Initially, the rights will be attached to all common stock certificates representing shares then outstanding, and no separate certificates for rights will be distributed. The rights will separate from the common stock and a “Distribution Date” will occur upon the earlier of (i) 10 days following a public announcement that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding shares of our common stock or (ii) 10 business days following the commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer that may result in a person or group beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding shares of our common stock.

Until the distribution date (or earlier redemption or expiration of the rights), (i) the rights will be evidenced by the common stock certificates and will be transferred with and only with such common stock certificates, (ii) new common stock certificates issued after the record date will contain a notation incorporating the Stockholder Rights Agreement by reference, and (iii) the surrender for transfer of any certificates for common stock outstanding, even without such notation, will also constitute the transfer of the rights associated with the common stock represented by such certificate.

We are subject to the “business combination” provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. In general, such provisions prohibit a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in any “business combination” transactions with any “interested stockholder” for a period of three years after the date on which the person became an “interested stockholder,” unless:

A “business combination” is defined to include mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in financial benefit to a stockholder. In general, an “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns 15% or more of a corporation’s voting stock or within three years did own 15% or more of a corporation’s voting stock. The statute could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts with respect to us and, accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire us.

Our restated certificate of incorporation limits the liability of our officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, and our restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws provide that we will indemnify our officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by such law. We have also entered into indemnification agreements with our officers and directors and expect to enter into a similar agreement with any new officers and directors.

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C., Boston, Massachusetts, will pass upon the validity of the issuance of the securities to be offered by this prospectus.

Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as set forth in their report, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP’s report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy these reports, proxy statements and other information at the SEC’s public reference facilities at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You can request copies of these documents by writing to the SEC and paying a fee for the copying cost. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information about the operation of the public reference facilities. SEC filings are also available at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov. Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, and you can read and inspect our filings at the offices of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority at 1735 K Street, Washington, D.C. 20006.

This prospectus is only part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we have filed with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and therefore omits certain information contained in the registration statement. We have also filed exhibits and schedules with the registration statement that are excluded from this prospectus, and you should refer to the applicable exhibit or schedule for a complete description of any statement referring to any contract or other document. You may inspect a copy of the registration statement, including the exhibits and schedules, without charge, at the public reference room or obtain a copy from the SEC upon payment of the fees prescribed by the SEC.

We also maintain a website at www.oxigene.com, through which you can access our SEC filings. The information set forth on our website is not part of this prospectus.

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information that we file with them. Incorporation by reference allows us to disclose important information to you by referring you to those other documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We filed a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with the SEC with respect to the securities we may offer pursuant to this prospectus. This prospectus omits certain information contained in the registration statement, as permitted by the SEC. You should refer to the registration statement, including the exhibits, for further information about us and the securities we may offer pursuant to this prospectus. Statements in this prospectus regarding the provisions of certain documents filed with, or incorporated by reference in, the registration statement are not necessarily complete and each statement is qualified in all respects by that reference. Copies of all or any part of the registration statement, including the documents incorporated by reference or the exhibits, may be obtained upon payment of the prescribed rates at the offices of the SEC listed above in “Where You Can Find More Information.” The documents we are incorporating by reference are:

Unless otherwise noted, the SEC file number for each of the documents listed above is 000-21990.

In addition, all reports and other documents filed by us pursuant to the Exchange Act after the date of the initial registration statement and prior to effectiveness of the registration statement shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

Any statement contained in this prospectus or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or any other subsequently filed document that is deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus modifies or supersedes the statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

You may request, orally or in writing, a copy of any or all of the documents incorporated herein by reference. These documents will be provided to you at no cost, by contacting: Investor Relations, OXiGENE, Inc., 701 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 210, South San Francisco, California 94080, (650) 635-7000.

You should rely only on information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this prospectus or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We are not making offers to sell the securities in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.


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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS		1

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY		2

RISK FACTORS		6

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES		6

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS		6

USE OF PROCEEDS		7

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION		7

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK		8

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK		9

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES		9

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS		14

DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS		15

DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS		16

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS		16

CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF DELAWARE LAW AND OF THE COMPANY’S CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS		17

LEGAL MATTERS		18

EXPERTS		18

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION		19

INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE		19

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