AmpliPhi Biosciences Corporation Acquires Key Bacteriophage Assets From UK-based Novolytics

SAN DIEGO & RICHMOND, Va. & LJUBLJANA, Slovenia & SYDNEY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AmpliPhi Biosciences Corporation (NYSEMKT:APHB), a global leader in the development of bacteriophage-based antibacterial therapies to treat drug-resistant infections, today announced it has acquired key assets from UK-based Novolytics Ltd., including bacteriophage-related intellectual property, bacteriophage libraries, formulation and regulatory know-how as well as GLP toxicology data.

M. Scott Salka, CEO of AmpliPhi Biosciences, said: “These Novolytics assets will broaden our IP portfolio and speed the development of our phage therapies. This acquisition supports our strategy of assembling the premier bacteriophage therapy company through the acquisition of world-class talent and assets to accomplish our goal of arming physicians and patients with novel and effective weapons against the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.”

Previous AmpliPhi acquisitions include Biocontrol of London, UK, acquired in late 2010, and Special Phage Services, of Sydney, Australia, acquired in late 2012. AmpliPhi maintains a research and development facility in Sydney, and, as a direct result of earlier relationships forged by Special Phage Services with Flinders and Adelaide Universities in South Australia, expects to soon be dosing chronic rhinosinusitis patients in its first clinical trial of a phage therapeutic at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Adelaide.

About AmpliPhi Biosciences

AmpliPhi Biosciences Corporation (NYSEMKT: APHB) is a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of novel bacteriophage-based antibacterial therapeutics. AmpliPhi’s product development programs target infections that are often resistant to existing antibiotic treatments. AmpliPhi is collaborating with a number of leading organizations, including Intrexon Corporation (NYSE: XON), the U.S. Army, The Royal Brompton Hospital in London, UK and UK-based University of Leicester, to rapidly advance bacteriophage-based therapies. For more information, visit www.ampliphibio.com.

About Bacteriophage

Bacteriophage are naturally occurring viruses that are highly specific for the bacterial hosts they infect. They can rapidly kill their host, amplifying themselves in the process. Bacteriophage are unaffected by antibiotic resistance and are able to disrupt bacterial biofilms. Such biofilms are a major line of defense for bacteria, contributing to antibiotic resistance. Bacteriophage are able to penetrate biofilms and replicate locally to high levels, to produce strong local therapeutic effects.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements concerning the expected benefits to AmpliPhi as a result of its acquisition of the Novolytics assets, the ability and potential use of bacteriophages to treat bacterial infections, future clinical trial activities and the timing thereof, and the development of bacteriophage-based therapies. Words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “goal,” “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements necessarily contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based upon AmpliPhi’s current expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties described in AmpliPhi’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and AmpliPhi undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

Contacts

Company and Investor relations:
AmpliPhi Biosciences
Matt Dansey
+1 858-800-4869
md@ampliphibio.com
or
Media relations (USA)
Lazar Partners
Danielle Lewis/Glenn Silver
+ 1 212-867-1762
ampliphi@lazarpartners.com
or
Media Relations (Europe and ROW)
Instinctif Partners
Gemma Howe/Sue Charles/Daniel Gooch
+44 (0)20 7866 7905
ampliphi@instinctif.com

Back to news