Immunovaccine to Advance Biodefense Vaccines in a NIH Funded Study
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Halifax, CANADA - February 14, 2012--Immunovaccine Inc. (TSX-V: IMV) announced today it has entered into a research collaboration to advance the development of next generation biodefense vaccines against the most threatening biological agents. These novel vaccine candidates will be evaluated as part of a U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded study, starting in the first quarter of 2012.
The study combines Immunovaccine's DepoVaxTM adjuvanting technology platform with four biodefense vaccine candidates, developed in collaboration with a partner. Results from initial studies warranted further development of the vaccine candidates. These novel vaccine candidates will now be tested in a non-human primate challenge model by the NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
John Trizzino, Immunovaccine's CEO, commented, "This collaboration is consistent with Immunovaccine's strategy for leveraging DepoVaxTM to enhance the immunogenicity of even the best vaccine antigen candidates, in as little as a single dose."
This research collaboration combines a viral vector technology formulated in the DepoVaxTM adjuvanting platform. The study will evaluate the potential for these novel vaccine candidates to protect against anthrax and multi-filoviruses (e.g., Marburg). These bioterrorism agents are classified as Category A by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Category A agents have the greatest potential for adverse public health impact with mass casualties because they are easily transmittable and have high fatality rates.
Immunovaccine's preliminary research with an anthrax antigen demonstrated that the DepoVax-based vaccine was able to raise higher antibody levels, as compared to three doses of an alum-adjuvanted control vaccine. Persisting high antibody levels were induced within four weeks following a single dose of anthrax antigen with DepoVaxTM.
About Immunovaccine
Immunovaccine Inc. develops vaccines formulated in its vaccine adjuvanting platform for cancer therapy and infectious disease. The Company's DepoVaxTM platform technology creates a unique depot that attracts antigen presenting cells to the site to potentially generate a rapid and robust immune response. Immunovaccine has taken its patented platform technology and proprietary cancer vaccine into Phase I human trials and has demonstrated its safety and immunogenicity potential. The Company is also capitalizing on the broad potential of its delivery platform by creating new DepoVax-based vaccines through multiple development collaborations. In addition to the Company's human health vaccine strategy, it continues to capture value from animal health vaccine applications. Pfizer Animal Health has licensed the Company's delivery technology platform to develop vaccines for livestock. www.imvaccine.com.
This press release contains forward-looking information under applicable securities law. All information that addresses activities or developments that we expect to occur in the future is forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management on the date the statements are made. However, they should not be regarded as a representation that any of the plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this press release due to risks affecting the Company, including access to capital, the successful completion of clinical trials and receipt of all regulatory approvals. Immunovaccine Inc. assumes no responsibility to update forward-looking statements in this press release except as required by law.
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Contact:
Jennifer Cameron, Director Communications, Immunovaccine Inc.
T: (902) 209-4704 E: [email protected]
or
Andrew Mielach, Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.
T: (212) 827-0020 E: [email protected]