Aldevron Manufactures Malaria DNA Vaccine For Naval Medical Research Center

FARGO, N.D.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, at the State of Technology Conference with Senator Hoeven and the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, Aldevron announces completing the production of a DNA-based vaccine to combat malaria under a contract with the Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC). Aldevron, a leading contract manufacturer of plasmid DNA, proteins, and antibodies, produced three plasmid DNA constructs that have been delivered to NMRC in preparation for a phase I/II challenge study.

“These improvements have allowed the Company to support the tremendous growth in plasmid DNA, mRNA, and proteins that are being developed to address a large number of diseases with severe unmet medical needs”

“Malaria is a difficult problem from medical and socioeconomic perspectives. It is a great privilege to be a part of this project,” states Michael Chambers, CEO of Aldevron. As part of the contract, Aldevron manufactured gram quantities of plasmid DNA under cGMP conditions using the Company’s proprietary large-scale DNA production technology.

Aldevron produced the world’s first DNA vaccine to be used outside of a trial setting over a decade ago. The Company has continued to enhance its manufacturing techniques, quality systems and scale, according to Aldevron’s CSO, John Ballantyne. “These improvements have allowed the Company to support the tremendous growth in plasmid DNA, mRNA, and proteins that are being developed to address a large number of diseases with severe unmet medical needs,” said Ballantyne. In addition to DNA vaccines, Aldevron manufactures the critical components for gene editing, gene therapy and cell therapies, including treatments using chimeric antigen receptor T-Cells (CAR-T).

About Malaria

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito that feeds on humans. According to the WHO approximately 3.2 billion people are at risk of malaria. In 2015, there were an estimated 214 million malaria cases and some 438,000 malaria deaths.

About Aldevron

Aldevron offers custom manufacturing, development, and discovery services for nucleic acids, proteins and antibodies -- providing companies with essential components for research, clinical and commercial applications. Aldevron’s services include: plasmid DNA and mRNA manufacturing; protein and enzyme production; and fully human and recombinant antibody generation. Aldevron’s collaborative approach and commitment to quality allow it provide innovative solutions that meet precise client requirements. Aldevron is headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota, and has facilities in Madison, Wisconsin, and Freiburg, Germany.