Immunovaccine Adds Scott Halperin, M.D., to Scientific Advisory Board
HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA -- (Marketwire) -- 09/20/12 -- Immunovaccine Inc. ("Immunovaccine" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: IMV), a clinical stage vaccine company, today announced the addition of Scott Halperin, M.D., to the Company's scientific advisory board (SAB). Dr. Halperin strengthens the SAB's broad expertise in infectious disease vaccine research and development, particularly in the area of clinical trial design and execution. He will offer critical guidance and insight to Immunovaccine as the company continues to expand and advance its growing pipeline of infectious disease vaccines in such indications as malaria, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and anthrax.
"Dr. Halperin's experience and reputation will add significant value to the SAB as we begin our clinical development efforts for several infectious disease vaccines," said John Trizzino, chief executive officer of Immunovaccine. "I am pleased he will be joining to help us advance our strategy and programs in this area."
Immunovaccine has been collaborating with Dr. Halperin and his team at the Canadian Center for Vaccinology for several years. Evaluating the Company's technology in his well-established pertussis models has demonstrated the potential of DepoVax to create a single dose vaccine in this preclinical challenge model.
"Through my years of collaborating with the Immunovaccine team, I have been impressed with the potential of the company's DepoVax platform to enhance the performance of vaccine candidates," stated Dr. Halperin. "I am excited to join the other scientists on the company's SAB and offer the insights that I have in the area of vaccine research and development."
About Scott Halperin, M.D.
Dr. Halperin's numerous professional positions include: professor of pediatrics and microbiology and immunology at Dalhousie University; head of infectious diseases at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia; and, director of the Canadian Center for Vaccinology, a joint collaboration of the IWK Health Centre, Capital Health, and Dalhousie University.
As one of the world's leading authorities on the development of vaccines, his research focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of pertussis (whooping cough) and other vaccine-preventable diseases such as influenza. His research in the area of pertussis has sparked improved diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this life-threatening disease and his team is credited with developing one of the pertussis vaccines that is now used around the world. Dr. Halperin is also principal investigator of the $13.5 million Public Health Agency of Canada/Canadian Institutes of Health Research Influenza Research Network (PCIRN). This group connects most of the major medical research institutions and universities across Canada, in an effort to ensure the safety and effectiveness of influenza vaccines and vaccination programs and to train the next generation of clinical vaccine researchers.
He earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Stanford University and his medical degree from Cornell University. He conducted his postgraduate residency training in pediatrics at the University of Virginia and his fellowship in pediatric infectious diseases at the University of Virginia and the University of Minnesota.
About Immunovaccine
Immunovaccine Inc. applies its novel adjuvanting platform to the development of vaccines for cancer therapy, infectious diseases and animal health. The Company's DepoVax™ platform is a patented formulation that provides controlled and prolonged exposure of antigens plus adjuvant to the immune system. Immunovaccine has advanced two DepoVax-based cancer vaccines into Phase I human clinical trials. The Company is also advancing a broad infectious disease pipeline including vaccines in such indications as malaria, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and anthrax. In addition to the Company's human health vaccine strategy, it continues to capture value from animal health vaccine applications. Immunovaccine has key partnerships in the animal health sector including an agreement with Pfizer Animal Health. Connect at 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.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contacts: Immunovaccine, Inc. Dr. Marc Mansour Chief Science Officer (902) 492-1819 [email protected] www.imvaccine.com Vida Communication (media) Tim Brons (415) 675-7402 [email protected] Vida Communication (investors) Stephanie Diaz (415) 675-7401 [email protected]
Source: Immunovaccine Inc.
Released September 20, 2012