Medicago, Inc. Invited to Present at the 5th World Health Organization Meeting on Influenza Vaccines That Induce Broad Spectrum and Long-Lasting Immune Responses
QUEBEC CITY, Nov. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Medicago Inc. (TSX: MDG), a biotechnology company focused on developing highly effective and competitive vaccines based on proprietary manufacturing technologies and Virus-Like Particles, today announced that Ms. Nathalie Landry, Vice President of Product Development, is invited to present at the 5th WHO meeting on influenza vaccines that induce broad spectrum and long-lasting immune responses. The conference is being held at the World Health Organization's headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, from November 16-17, 2011. The presentation is titled "Immunity induced by plant-made influenza virus-like particles".
The purpose of the World Health Organization's meeting is to spotlight recent advancements in the development of influenza vaccines with significant immune responses. In attendance at this global gathering are representatives from government regulatory agencies, the leading vaccine companies, pharmaceutical companies and research professionals.
The Company reported positive phase II results for its clinical trial with its H5N1 avian influenza vaccine in June 2011. The vaccine was found to be safe, well tolerated and also induced a solid immune response which is among the most effective of the industry. The Company also recently reported positive U.S. phase I results in its clinical trial with its H1N1 / seasonal influenza vaccine candidate. All tested doses were found safe and well-tolerated. A single dose of 5 g met the 3 CHMP (The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use) immunogenicity criteria. This phase I trial is expected to lead to Medicago's U.S. phase IIa trial for its seasonal trivalent vaccine with the recommended H1N1, H3N2 and B influenza strains.
About Medicago
Medicago is committed to provide highly effective and competitive vaccines based on proprietary Virus-Like Particle (VLP) and manufacturing technologies. Medicago is developing VLP vaccines to protect against pandemic and seasonal influenza, using a transient expression system which produces recombinant vaccine antigens in the cells of non-transgenic plants. This technology has potential to offer advantages of speed and cost over competitive technologies. It promises a vaccine for testing in about a month after the identification and reception of genetic sequences from a pandemic strain. This production time frame has the potential to allow vaccination of the population before the first wave of a pandemic strikes and to supply large volumes of vaccine antigens to the world market. Additional information about Medicago is available at www.medicago.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This news release includes certain forward-looking statements that are based upon current expectations, which involve risks and uncertainties associated with Medicago's business and the environment in which the business operates. Any statements contained herein that are not statements o historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking, including those identified by the expressions "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", and similar expressions to the extent they relate to Medicago or its management. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but reflect Medicago's current expectations regarding future results or events. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations, including the matters discussed under "Risks Factors and Uncertainties" in Medicago's Annual Information Form filed on March 31, 2011 with the regulatory authorities. Medicago assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements.
SOURCE Medicago Inc.