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VGX Pharmaceuticals
Announces Issuance of a Key U.S. Patent Covering
New Electroporation Technology for Delivery of Macromolecules to
Cells
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Bell, PA – July 19, 2007 – |
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VGX Pharmaceuticals today announced that it has been
granted U.S. Patent number 7,245,963 titled "Electrode Assembly for
Constant-Current Electroporation and Use.” The patent covers a new
device for the delivery of macromolecules, including DNA plasmids, to
tissues.
The VGX technology is based on delivering macromolecules via the application
of constant-current electroporation pulses. A key feature of the technology
is that changes in tissue resistance during the electroporation procedure
are monitored real-time and the pulse-generator adapts in real-time to
ensure constant-current pulses are delivered to the tissue of interest.
Thus, cell-death due to overheating of cells is minimized by limiting
the power dissipation in the tissue in response to changes in the tissue
micro-environment.
"We are excited by the issuance of this patent covering a key delivery
technology," stated Dr. J. Joseph Kim, President and CEO of VGX.
"VGX has implemented the technology in its CELLECTRA™ adaptive
constant-current electroporation device for the delivery of DNA plasmid-based
vaccines and therapies. The device has been tested extensively in research
studies in a large number of different animal models including mice, rabbits,
dogs, pigs and non-human primates establishing a broad safety, tolerability
and efficacy profile.”
The underlying patented electroporation technology was initially developed
by ADViSYS, Inc., which is now an important part of VGX since its acquisition
in February 2007. VGX has established a dynamic vertically-integrated
product development platform encompassing novel DNA vaccine constructs,
proprietary electroporation technology for DNA delivery, and an efficient
process for the cGMP manufacturing of DNA plasmids. VGX is currently developing
a portfolio of DNA based vaccines covering HIV, HPV and influenza as well
as DNA therapies for cancer and HIV related cachexia based on growth hormone
releasing hormone (GHRH). These potential products are anticipated to
be developed for human applications in combination with the CELLECTRA™
electroporation device. VGX plans to initiate the formal IND-enabling
toxicology studies for its HPV, influenza, and GHRH product candidates
in Q3 2007.
Cautionary
Factors That May Affect Future Results - Materials in this
Web site contain information that includes or is based upon forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements relate to expectations or
forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements by the
fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts.
They use words such as "anticipate," "estimate,"
"expect," "project," "intend," "plan,"
"believe," and other words and terms of similar meaning
in connection with a discussion of potential future events, circumstances
or future operating or financial performance. In particular, these
include statements relating to future actions, prospective products
or product approvals, future performance or results of current and
anticipated products, sales efforts, expenses, the outcome of contingencies
such as legal proceedings, and financial results. Any or all of our
forward-looking statements here or in other publications may turn
out to be wrong. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions or
by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many such factors will
be important in determining our actual future results. Consequently,
no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and forward-looking
statements may be adversely affected by factors, including general
market conditions, competitive product development, product availability,
current and future branded and generic competition, federal and state
regulations and legislation, manufacturing issues, timing of the elimination
of trade buying, patent positions, litigations and investigations.
Our actual results may vary materially, and there are no guarantees
about the performance or valuation of VGX stock. It is also important
to read the disclosure notice contained in many of the individual
VGX documents available on this Web site as many contain important
information on such cautionary factors as of the date of the individual
document. We undertake no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events
or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures
we make on related subjects in our reports. |
About VGX
Pharmaceuticals
VGX Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company with small molecules
and biologics product candidates for the treatment of infectious diseases,
cancer and inflammatory diseases. The Company's clinical development programs
include PICTOVIR™ for HIV infection and VGX-410C for chronic HCV infection,
both of which are currently in Phase II clinical trials. In addition, VGX
is planning to initiate Phase I clinical studies for VGX-1027, its lead
compound for inflammatory diseases. VGX's research pipelines include new
generation of DNA vaccines and therapeutics as well as CELLECTRA™,
a patented DNA delivery device. 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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