ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT) Partners With Scancell to Advance DNA Vaccine Delivery
HALIFAX, NS, Aug. 5 /PRNewswire/ - ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT), a Canadian vaccine development company, has signed an agreement with UK-based Scancell Ltd., the operating company of Scancell Holdings Plc (SCLP.PL), which is developing therapeutic cancer and infectious disease vaccines. This research agreement will explore the potential of using IVT's DepoVax(TM) delivery system for Scancell's novel ImmunoBody(R) DNA vaccines.
"Scancell is developing an exciting DNA vaccine technology and we are delighted to enter into this collaboration," remarked Dr. Marc Mansour, vice president of R D at IVT. "Our DepoVax(TM) technology has the potential to better deliver DNA vaccines to draining lymph nodes to produce high levels of immune response using conventional immunization techniques."
"IVT's DepoVax(TM) represents a potentially attractive future delivery system for our ImmunoBody(R) DNA vaccines, especially those for certain infectious diseases where alternative delivery methods such as electroporation may be less suitable." commented David Evans, chairman of Scancell.
DNA-based vaccines have gained popularity due to promising results reported the clinic, their relative ease of manufacture and potential for enhanced stability. There is currently a need for simple alternative methods of delivering DNA vaccines
DepoVax(TM) is a vaccine-enhancement and delivery platform comprised of liposomes, adjuvants and oil. DepoVax(TM) enhances the immunogenicity of antigens in general, and can be used to dramatically enhance the delivery of polynucleotide-based antigens and SiRNA to lymph nodes. IVT has proven its scale-up capabilities at a contract manufacturing plant, making DepoVax(TM) amenable to commercialization.
ImmunoVaccine Technologies continues to strengthen its vaccine pipeline through licensing and strategic partnering to develop therapeutic cancer and infection disease vaccines. In 2008, Pfizer Animal Health licensed its proprietary vaccine delivery technology for two livestock vaccines. With positive pre-clinical safety data and recent partnerships with LIAI, NIH, Yokohoma City University, Defence Research Development Canada, FIT Biotech, and Immunotope Inc. the value of Depovax(TM) has been significantly enhanced. www.immunovaccine.com.
Scancell is developing novel therapeutic vaccines for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases based on its groundbreaking ImmunoBody(R) technology platform. Scancell's first cancer vaccine SCIB1 is being developed for the treatment of melanoma and will enter clinical trials using electroporation technology in early 2010.
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 are 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. IVT assumes no responsibility to update forward-looking statements in this press release.
SOURCE IMMUNOVACCINE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
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