| Viral Genomix Program The Company's innovative Viral Genomix Program stems from its extensive knowledge of viral genomics. Viruses control the cells they infect by expressing specific viral proteins or gene products. These viral proteins are extremely potent, well-honed tools, which bind to specific human receptors to regulate cell function. There is a strong scientific rationale for developing drugs based upon the interaction between viral proteins and their human receptors. Host genes have evolved over time to carefully fit into the overall scheme of host biology. These genes have been selected not to harm the host through certain mechanisms, which include some tolerance for abnormal expression and regulation. Furthermore, the host genes and their functions are highly redundant. In contrast, pathogenic genes have been selected over time for the opposite effects. Pathogens are designed to carry as little genetic material as possible, and viruses are the masters of this strategy. Yet even with so little baggage, in many cases, viruses can drastically alter and control the cell biology of the host, often with a single gene or gene product. In fact, evolution has selected the viral genes for complete potency and dominance through the expression of specific gene products. In this regard, viral proteins represent well-developed drug candidates effectively supported by millions of years of in vivo drug screening in humans. In essence, viruses have already selected the specific drug targets for VGX by targeting human receptors that are necessary for controlling their function. As a result, utilizing our detailed understanding of specific viral gene products and their human receptors provides VGX Pharmaceuticals with a significant advantage in screening and selecting novel and potent drug candidates.VGX-150 and VGX-100, were all discovered using this Technology. VGX's extensive technology positions on viral proteins and their human cellular receptors have allowed VGX to effectively screen and select a number of drug candidates to treat a variety of infectious diseases. VGX believes that by understanding the processes involved in manipulating the cell functions through the administration of specific gene products from pathogens or their receptors, an important new class of therapeutics can be developed for treating major diseases such as AIDS, HCV, cancer and inflammatory diseases. Since the pathogens have evolved over time to evade immune responses and inflammation in the infected host, it can be hypothesized that a targeted administration of specific drugs derived from these interactions could have lower toxicity than typical chemotherapeutic candidates. In addition, the Company’s strategy to develop drugs based upon the interaction between viral proteins and their human receptors provides an efficient and effective method to discover clinically relevant drugs for development. The overall strategy is to identify and develop therapeutic agents from the Company’s library of viral proteins, their derivatives and their human cellular targets to provide a platform for the development of potent therapeutics that directly impact critical cell functions. The company plans to expand its product development platform to include gene products from other pathogens such as bacteria and parasites. VGX’s drug discovery and development expertise includes cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, structural biology, chemistry, virology, pathology and pharmacology. |