ANNAPOLIS, MD, USA I April 1, 2014 I PharmAthene, Inc. (NYSE MKT: PIP) announced today that data from the Company’s SparVax® next-generation anthrax vaccine program were recently presented at the 8th Annual New Technologies, New Vaccines conference. In a presentation entitled, “Factors that Affect Potency and Stability for a Recombinant Protective Antigen Vaccine,” Dr. Bradford Powell, Director, Analytical Sciences at PharmAthene, presented results demonstrating the Company’s achievements in developing key analytical assays which are being employed to monitor the stability and potency of SparVax®.
“We believe SparVax® is a promising alternative to the current anthrax vaccine and other rPA-based vaccines due, in part, to its unique formulation. This formulation, and our development of newer, more precise assays have facilitated the development and testing of a vaccine product with enhanced stability and potency,” said Dr. Powell. “Further, our research has demonstrated that subtle changes in the interaction between rPA and an immune-stimulating adjuvant (Alhydrogel®) yield important improvements in stability and immunogenicity.”
Data presented by Dr. Powell show how the addition of phosphate alters the surface chemistry of the immune-stimulating adjuvant, Alhydrogel® in such a way that the stability profile of rPA is improved and potency is increased, as compared to vaccine formulations with less phosphate. In addition, the phosphate/Alhydrogel® formulation demonstrated five-fold higher potency than a comparable low phosphate formulation, as tested in the prior mouse challenge assay.
The need for newer anthrax vaccines based on modern vaccine technology, which offer the potential for improved safety, convenience and cost-effectiveness, is widely acknowledged. SparVax® is a next-generation anthrax vaccine being developed for pre- and post-exposure protection against anthrax. It is based on recombinant protective antigen (rPA), the principal virulence factor of the bacterial organism, B. anthracis (anthrax).
PharmAthene’s rPA anthrax vaccine program has been supported by funding from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.
About PharmAthene
PharmAthene is a leading biodefense company engaged in the development and commercialization of next generation medical countermeasures against biological and chemical threats. PharmAthene’s current biodefense portfolio includes the following product candidates:
- SparVax® – a next generation recombinant protective antigen (rPA) anthrax vaccine
- rBChE bioscavenger – a medical countermeasure for nerve agent poisoning by organophosphorous compounds, including nerve gases and pesticides
- Valortim® – a fully human monoclonal antibody for the prevention and treatment of anthrax infection
In addition, in May 2013, the Delaware Supreme Court issued its ruling on the appeal in our litigation with SIGA Technologies, affirming the Delaware Court of Chancery’s finding that SIGA was liable for breach of contract, reversing its finding of promissory estoppel, and remanding the case back to the Delaware Court of Chancery to reconsider the appropriate remedy and award of attorney’s fees and expert witness costs in light of the Delaware Supreme Court’s opinion. For more information about PharmAthene, please visit www.PharmAthene.com.
SOURCE: PharmAthene
Post Views: 178
ANNAPOLIS, MD, USA I April 1, 2014 I PharmAthene, Inc. (NYSE MKT: PIP) announced today that data from the Company’s SparVax® next-generation anthrax vaccine program were recently presented at the 8th Annual New Technologies, New Vaccines conference. In a presentation entitled, “Factors that Affect Potency and Stability for a Recombinant Protective Antigen Vaccine,” Dr. Bradford Powell, Director, Analytical Sciences at PharmAthene, presented results demonstrating the Company’s achievements in developing key analytical assays which are being employed to monitor the stability and potency of SparVax®.
“We believe SparVax® is a promising alternative to the current anthrax vaccine and other rPA-based vaccines due, in part, to its unique formulation. This formulation, and our development of newer, more precise assays have facilitated the development and testing of a vaccine product with enhanced stability and potency,” said Dr. Powell. “Further, our research has demonstrated that subtle changes in the interaction between rPA and an immune-stimulating adjuvant (Alhydrogel®) yield important improvements in stability and immunogenicity.”
Data presented by Dr. Powell show how the addition of phosphate alters the surface chemistry of the immune-stimulating adjuvant, Alhydrogel® in such a way that the stability profile of rPA is improved and potency is increased, as compared to vaccine formulations with less phosphate. In addition, the phosphate/Alhydrogel® formulation demonstrated five-fold higher potency than a comparable low phosphate formulation, as tested in the prior mouse challenge assay.
The need for newer anthrax vaccines based on modern vaccine technology, which offer the potential for improved safety, convenience and cost-effectiveness, is widely acknowledged. SparVax® is a next-generation anthrax vaccine being developed for pre- and post-exposure protection against anthrax. It is based on recombinant protective antigen (rPA), the principal virulence factor of the bacterial organism, B. anthracis (anthrax).
PharmAthene’s rPA anthrax vaccine program has been supported by funding from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.
About PharmAthene
PharmAthene is a leading biodefense company engaged in the development and commercialization of next generation medical countermeasures against biological and chemical threats. PharmAthene’s current biodefense portfolio includes the following product candidates:
- SparVax® – a next generation recombinant protective antigen (rPA) anthrax vaccine
- rBChE bioscavenger – a medical countermeasure for nerve agent poisoning by organophosphorous compounds, including nerve gases and pesticides
- Valortim® – a fully human monoclonal antibody for the prevention and treatment of anthrax infection
In addition, in May 2013, the Delaware Supreme Court issued its ruling on the appeal in our litigation with SIGA Technologies, affirming the Delaware Court of Chancery’s finding that SIGA was liable for breach of contract, reversing its finding of promissory estoppel, and remanding the case back to the Delaware Court of Chancery to reconsider the appropriate remedy and award of attorney’s fees and expert witness costs in light of the Delaware Supreme Court’s opinion. For more information about PharmAthene, please visit www.PharmAthene.com.
SOURCE: PharmAthene
Post Views: 178
