May 25, 2011 -- Isconova moves forward with the clinical Phase I study of seasonal influenza by initiating vaccinations of the first study participants. A total of 110 healthy volunteers will take part in the study, scheduled to be reported during the first quarter of 2012. The study is a result of Isconova’s increased focus on human vaccines.
During 2009, a clinical Phase I vaccination study against avian influenza, was performed through the Panfluvac project. This study was a major milestone achievement for Isconova as it was the first time Isconova’s adjuvant product Matrix M™ was tested in humans. The study results fulfilled all efficacy criteria and based on the positive results a study with a vaccine against seasonal influenza has now been initiated. The new study, carried out by Isconova, will investigate safety as well as examine whether Matrix M™ improves the effect on elderly people, a patient group that, due to a weakened immune system, often does not get sufficient protection with current marketed seasonal influenza vaccines.
Lena Söderström, CEO of Isconova comments:
”The initiation of our own clinical study in humans is an important milestone towards establishing Isconova in the large and rapidly growing human vaccine market. There is a medical need for better and more effective vaccines – including for seasonal influenza – and our expectation is that Matrix M™ can address this need in a number of future vaccines.”
For more information, please contact:
Lena Söderström, CEO of Isconova
Tel +46 (0)70-816 39 12, e-mail: lena.soderstrom@isconova.com
About Isconova AB
Isconova AB is a leading international vaccine adjuvant company. Isconova has significant expertise of vaccine systems and the Company develops vaccines together with partners in the human and veterinary markets. The first vaccine using Isconova’s nano-particle Matrix technology, Equilis®Prequenza, was launched on the veterinary market in 2005. In the human market a number of vaccines are under development with Isconova’s third generation nano-particle, Matrix M™. Isconova’s partners include Crucell/Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Merck & Co., the Jenner Institute, Genocea and Evolva. The Company is headquartered in Uppsala, Sweden.
Isconova was listed on NASDAQ OMX First North (ticker: ISCO) in November 2010. E. Öhman J:or Fondkommission AB is the Company’s Certified Adviser. www.isconova.com
About seasonal influenza
According to WHO, seasonal influenza affects 5-15 percent of the population in the northern hemisphere each year and an estimated three to five million infections cause serious disease resulting in hospitalization or even death. A large part of those afflicted are children and young people, while most deaths affect the elderly and others with a weakened immune system. Sales of influenza vaccines are estimated to reach USD 4.2 billion by 2014.
About Matrix M™
Matrix M™ is an immune stimulating substance for use in vaccines, antibody production and immunological research.
Matrix M™ is a proprietary technology wholly owned by Isconova.
About adjuvants
Adjuvants are substances added to vaccines for improved and lasting immune response in connection with vaccinations.
