Hemispherx Acquires New Technology for DNA-Based Vaccine

PharmaManufacturing.com
09/01/2006

Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc., Philadelphia, on Aug. 29 announced the worldwide exclusive licensure of the international patent estate developed at Vanderbilt University for the in vivo use of the chemical compound DOGS, or dioctadecylamidoglycylspermine, for the efficient delivery of therapeutic DNA to the interior of cells.

The acquisition of this intellectual property enhances the position of Hemispherx Biopharma in the vaccine field and provides an enabling mechanism for genetic (DNA) vaccination. Supporting and encouraging the development of DNA based vaccines has become a major initiative of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' biodefense programs, which is designed to counteract lethal viral outbreaks, including avian influenza.

In the past, despite distinct biological advantages provided by this new form of immunization, large amounts of naked immunogenic DNA usually required inducing immune responses in animals, and its application in humans has been a major impediment to the development and licensure of genetic vaccines. The use of DOGS technology increases the effectiveness of DNA technology by more than 100-fold, potentially slashing the amount of DNA required to induce an immune response.

The company plans to combine the DOGS delivery of genetic immunogens with its immunostimulatory drug, AMPLIGEN, to create a new vaccine technology platform (Vaccine Enhance) with wide application for human and veterinary indications, as well as an easily integrated tool in biodefense.

Ampligen, an experimental immune therapeutic, is being developed to potentiate conventional cell based human vaccines, including avian influenza vaccines.

 About Hemispherx Biopharma

Hemispherx Biopharma, based in Philadelphia, is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the manufacture and clinical development of new drug entities for treatment of viral and immune-based disorders, including gene-based disdorders such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

For more information please visit http://www.hemispherx.net