Immunovaccine Signs Research Agreement with OncoTherapy Science to Advance Potential Cancer Vaccine
HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 11/29/10 -- Immunovaccine Inc. (TSX VENTURE: IMV) of Halifax, Canada, announced today that it has signed a collaborative research agreement with OncoTherapy Science Inc., of Kawasaki City, Japan, to explore the efficacy of their novel peptide cancer antigen in Immunovaccine's DepoVax vaccine delivery and enhancement platform.
Peptide antigens hold the promise of high efficacy and low toxicity. Yet the impact of peptides as an effective means for cancer treatment has been limited, mainly due to the low immunogenicity of peptides. OncoTherapy Science's novel cancer peptides have the potential to function as unique targets for the anti-angiogenic therapy of cancer. The advantage of developing a vaccine formulation using Immunovaccine's DepoVax delivery platform is its ability to generate a depot effect that enhances the immunogenicity of peptides in preclinical models.
"We are pleased to be collaborating with OncoTherapy Science and evaluating how our DepoVax technology may enhance the potential of these select peptide antigens to create a highly potent, highly specific vaccine candidate," remarked Dr. Marc Mansour, Vice President of R&D at Immunovaccine.
Immunovaccine's DepoVax platform is a lipid depot-based vaccine delivery and enhancement technology. This patented combination is a breakthrough in vaccine development because it raises unusually strong and long-lasting cellular or humoral immune responses. Immunovaccine is currently testing the safety and tolerability of DepoVax in a Phase I clinical trial with DPX-0907, a peptide-based therapeutic cancer vaccine targeting patients with breast, ovarian and prostate cancer.
Immunovaccine Inc. (TSX VENTURE: IMV), is a clinical stage vaccine development company focused on the commercialization of its patented DepoVax vaccine delivery technology. The Company continues to strengthen its vaccine pipeline, through licensing and strategic partnerships, to develop therapeutic cancer and infectious disease vaccines.
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 Vice President R&D (902) 492-1819 [email protected] Immunovaccine Inc. Jennifer Ayotte Director Communications (902) 492-1819 [email protected] www.imvaccine.com Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc. Andrew Mielach (212) 827-0020 [email protected]
Released November 29, 2010