Immunovaccine Presents Results for an Enhanced Anthrax Vaccine Candidate
HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 02/08/10 -- Immunovaccine Inc. (TSX VENTURE: IMV) announced today that it has been invited to present at the Canada - U.S. Partners in Biomedical Defense II Conference in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, February 10, 2010. At the Conference the Company will present positive new research, done in collaboration with Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), confirming the number of required doses for an anthrax vaccine candidate can be reduced when formulated in DepoVax.
The new research shows that a single-dose of anthrax antigen, when formulated in DepoVax, is able to raise antibody levels that are 10 times higher on average than a comparable alum-adjuvanted anthrax vaccine. Enhanced vaccine antibody titres were noted in separate studies performed by Immunovaccine and DRDC in two different animal models. A single vaccination with anthrax antigen formulated in DepoVax performed better than two doses of the control vaccine. Persisting high antibody levels were induced within 4 weeks following a single dose of anthrax antigen with DepoVax.
DepoVax is a vaccine delivery platform that uses liposomes to bring active vaccine components - antigens and immune enhancers - into an oil depot. This patented formulation creates a long lasting 'depot effect' that produces a potent humoral and/or cellular immunity, often with a single dose.
"We are pleased that our collaboration with DRDC is progressing well. The results we achieved with anthrax in two different animal species confirms DepoVax's ability to significantly enhance a vaccine against yet another important infectious disease agent," commented Marc Mansour, vice president of R&D at Immunovaccine.
Anthrax is a potential bioterrorism agent that can be life-threatening. Currently, to provide protection from anthrax individuals receive a 6-dose regime with three injections given 2 weeks apart, followed by three additional injections given at 6, 12, and 18 months. Annual booster injections of the vaccine are recommended thereafter.
Immunovaccine Inc. (TSX VENTURE: IMV) is a clinical stage vaccine development company focused on the commercialization of its patented DepoVax vaccine delivery technology and product candidates. 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 pursuant to applicable securities law. All information that addresses activities or developments that we expect to occur in the future in forward-looking statements. 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 or objectives will be achieved. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this document due to risks and uncertainties affecting the Company, including access to capital, the successful completion of clinical trials and receipt of all regulatory approvals. Immunovaccine 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. Jennifer Ayotte Director Communications (902) 209-4704 [email protected] Immunovaccine Inc. Dr. Marc Mansour Vice President of R&D (902) 492-1819 [email protected] www.imvaccine.com Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc. Andrew W. Mielach (212) 827-0020 [email protected]
Released February 8, 2010