VGX-100
(Lymphoma / Gastric Cancer) |
The HIV genome consists of 9 proteins. While the key
proteins Gag, Pol and Env are essential for viral replication,
viral protein R (Vpr) was discovered by Dr. Weiner and colleagues
to be an important accessory protein for HIV pathogenesis.
Importantly, Vpr was found to induce:
|
| |
 |
Tumor
cell differentiation |
| |
|
Cell cycle arrest
at the G2 phase |
| |
|
Apoptosis (Programed
Cell Death) following G2 arrest thereby retarding tumor growth |
|
|
Vpr is a
96 amino acid (14 KDa) soluble protein. Based on its
propensity to induce apoptosis in rapidly dividing cells,
VGX has initiated development of Vpr as a novel cancer product.
The VGX product development strategy for Vpr includes delivery
both in a recombinant protein form (VGX-100) as well as in
the form of plasmid DNA (VGX-150).
|
Development of Novel Cancer
Drugs
|
| |
|
Strong IP portfolio on
Vpr protein and its receptors
(10 US Patents & >120 Worldwide Filings) |
| |
|
Vpr-based drug is effective
against multiple cancers in animal models |
| |
|
Vpr-based drug has lower
toxicity compared to current chemotherapy or radiation
therapy in animal models |
| |
|
Vpr-based drug has a novel
mechanism of action |
| |
|
Vpr-based drug is effective
against drug-resistant cancer cells |
| |
|
VGX Pharmaceuticals has
initiated GMP manufacturing of VGX-100 with Diosynth Biotechnologies.
IND-Enabling animal toxicology studies are anticipated to
be initiated in 2008. |
| |
|
VGX Pharmaceuticals is
developing VGX-100 for Lymphoma. Our affiliate VGX International
is co-developing VGX-100 for gastric cancer with VGX Pharmaceuticals.
|
|
Vpr Kills Cancer Cells in
Multiple in vitro Tumor Models |
|
