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VGX Licenses Additional DNA Vaccines Technology from the University of Pennsylvania
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Bell, PA – June 23, 2008 – |
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VGX Pharmaceuticals Inc. (VGX) announced today that the Company has amended its license agreement with the University of Pennsylvania adding technologies for its novel DNA Vaccines and Therapeutics. The underlying technology was developed in the laboratory of Professor David B. Weiner at the University of Pennsylvania. Professor Weiner is a pioneer in the field of DNA vaccines.
This new amendment adds novel adjuvants to enhance the effectiveness of DNA vaccines. Under the terms of the original license agreement completed last year, the Company obtained exclusive worldwide rights to develop a number of DNA plasmids and constructs with the potential for the treatment and/or prevention of HIV, HCV, HPV and influenza. VGX’s genetic adjuvant program now includes one for optimized interleukin-15 (IL-15), which is already in Phase I clinical trials to improve the immune responses to PENNVAX™-B HIV vaccines.
“We are pleased to have access to these additional technologies, which further expand our development pipeline of a new generation of DNA-based therapies and vaccines for use in humans,” said Dr. J. Joseph Kim, President and CEO of VGX. “These additional genetic adjuvants will strengthen and complement our existing R&D programs.”
Using its vertically integrated product development platform, VGX has taken three independent product programs from ‘Bench to IND filing’ within 12 months. In 2008 alone, the Company has filed INDs for a DNA therapeutic vaccine for cervical cancer (VGX-3100), a novel DNA therapy that utilizes GHRH for the treatment of cancer cachexia and anemia (VGX-3200), and a DNA preventative vaccine for avian influenza (VGX-3400).
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About VGX
Pharmaceuticals
VGX Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company with small molecule and biologic product candidates for the treatment of infectious diseases, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. The Company's clinical development programs include PICTOVIR™ for HIV infection, which is in Phase II clinical trials, PENNVAX™-B for HIV infection, which is in 2 separate Phase I clinical trials, and VGX-1027 for inflammatory diseases, which is in Phase I clinical trials. In addition, the Company has filed INDs for VGX-3100, a DNA therapeutic vaccine for cervical cancer; VGX-3200, a novel DNA therapy that utilizes GHRH for the treatment of cancer cachexia and anemia; and VGX-3400, a DNA preventative vaccine for avian influenza. VGX has established a vertically-integrated DNA Vaccines and Therapies Platform with extensive capabilities including SynCon™ DNA-based product candidates, the CELLECTRA® delivery device, and efficient cGMP plasmid manufacturing. Vertical control over key aspects of product development has enabled the Company to consistently develop multiple product candidates, from bench-to-IND filing, within 1 year. The product candidates and technology programs are protected by the Company's extensive global intellectual property portfolio. More information about VGX can be found at www.vgxp.com.
Company Contact:
Kevin W. Rassas
Senior Vice President
Tel. 267.440.4208
Fax 267.440.4242
E-mail: Rassas@vgxp.com
www.vgxp.com
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