Immunovaccine Inc. and Defence Research and Development Canada Advance Potential Melioidosis Vaccine Candidate
HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 10/13/10 -- Immunovaccine Inc. (TSX VENTURE: IMV) announced today positive results of an efficacy study testing the formulation of a melioidosis antigen in DepoVax, Immunovaccine's patented vaccine delivery and enhancement platform. The study, conducted in collaboration with Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), demonstrated that two doses of the combination Melioidosis-DepoVax vaccine provided 100% protection against an infection model, as opposed to three doses of the control vaccine which only provides partial protection.
Melioidosis is a potentially dangerous infectious disease agent and continues to be a threat in the area of the biodefense. "We are encouraged by these results that demonstrate the broad applicability of our vaccine formulation technology," said Dr. Marc Mansour, Vice President of R&D at Immunovaccine Inc.
Melioidosis is a deadly bacterial infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, for which there is no vaccine today. This bacterial pathogen is found in contaminated water and soil and spreads to humans causing a range of disease states from acute pneumonia to septicaemia. With a 40 percent mortality rate, melioidosis is of interest because of its potential as a bioterrorism agent. This study supports Defence Research and Development Canada efforts to develop vaccines against biological agents that could be encountered by the Canadian Forces during deployment abroad. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has also identified melioidosis as one of the top priorities for development of medical countermeasures to prevent or minimize the capability of terrorists to threaten the lives of civilians.
Defense Research Development Canada (DRDC) is an agency of the Department of National Defence, responding to the scientific and technological needs of the Canadian Forces and national security communities. With a broad scientific program, DRDC actively collaborates with industry, international allies, academia, other government departments and the national security community. www.drdc-rddc.gc.ca.
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. DepoVax is a vaccine delivery platform that uses liposomes to bring active vaccine components into an oil depot. The company continues to strengthen its vaccine pipeline through licensing and strategic partnerships to develop therapeutic cancer and infectious disease vaccines. www.imvaccine.com
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.
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Contacts: Immunovaccine Inc. Jennifer Ayotte Director Communications (902) 209-4704 [email protected] www.imvaccine.com DRDC Suffield Bobbi Jo Bradley Senior Communications Advisor (403) 544-4622 [email protected]
Released October 13, 2010