PLANTATION, Fla., Feb. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Viragen, Inc. and its majority-owned subsidiary, Viragen International, Inc. , today reported on the progression of anti-viral studies using Multiferon(R) (multi-subtype, natural human alpha interferon) being conducted by the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). These studies have found Multiferon(R) to have significant activity when used in vitro against certain “Category A” pathogens, a class of highly virulent viral threats, which have the potential to be used in biowarfare.
In this research collaboration, Viragen and USAMRIID have agreed to conduct a study program designed to evaluate Multiferon(R) against specific viral agents. Additional studies will evaluate Multiferon(R) as a possible broad-acting anti-viral product, which may be used as a first-line of defense against unknown infectious agents or when no therapeutic or vaccine exists. These studies are expected to be completed by this summer and will help determine the potential role of Multiferon(R) as a bio-defense product.
Viragen’s Vice President and Managing Director of Viragen (Scotland) Ltd., Dr. Karen Jervis, commented, “The initial studies conducted by USAMRIID have focused on the in vitro activity of Multiferon(R) in cell lines when exposed to a variety of ‘Category A’ pathogens, including Ebola virus. The results obtained thus far have been highly encouraging, showing Multiferon(R) to display broad anti-viral effects, and indeed, we are hopeful that these and future results will indicate that Multiferon(R) can be used as a versatile anti-viral agent, with efficacy against a wide range of pathogens. These studies will continue in both in vitro and in vivo models, and we are now in negotiations to expand such work to include the participation of other leading U.S. government research agencies.”
To review the Category A, B & C Priority Pathogens as listed by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), please visit: http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/Biodefense/bandc_priority.htm
About USAMRIID:
USAMRIID, located at Fort Detrick, Maryland, is the lead medical research laboratory for the U.S. Biological Defense Research Program, and plays a key role in national defense and in infectious disease research. The Institute’s mission is to conduct basic and applied research on biological threats resulting in medical solutions (such as vaccines, drugs and diagnostics) to protect the warfighter. USAMRIID is a subordinate laboratory of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command.
The information contained in this press release does not necessarily reflect the position or the policy of the Government and no official endorsement should be inferred.
About Viragen, Inc.:
With global operations in the U.S., Scotland and Sweden, Viragen is a biotechnology company engaged in the research, development, manufacture and commercialization of pharmaceutical proteins for the treatment of viral diseases and cancers. Our product portfolio includes: Multiferon(R) (multi- subtype, natural human alpha interferon) targeting a broad range of infectious and malignant diseases; and humanized monoclonal antibodies targeting specific antigens over-expressed on many types of cancers. We are also pioneering the development of Avian Transgenic Technology, with the renowned Roslin Institute, as a revolutionary manufacturing platform for the large-scale, efficient and economical production of human therapeutic proteins and antibodies.
For more information, please visit: http://www.Viragen.com Viragen, Inc. Corporate Contact: Douglas Calder, Director of Communications Phone: (954) 233-8746; Fax: (954) 233-1414 E-mail: dcalder@viragen.com
The foregoing press announcement contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by such terminology such as “expects,” “potential,” “suggests,” “may,” “should,” “could” or similar expressions. Such forward- looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. In particular, management’s expectations regarding future research, development and/or commercial results could be affected by, among other things, uncertainties relating to clinical trials and product development; availability of future financing; unexpected regulatory delays or government regulation generally; the Company’s ability to obtain or maintain patent and other proprietary intellectual property protection; and competition in general. Forward-looking statements speak only as to the date they are made. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made.
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CONTACT: Douglas Calder, Director of Communications, Viragen,+1-954-233-8746, or fax, +1-954-233-1414, or dcalder@viragen.com