HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A major collaborator of Vandalia Research, Inc. recently announced pre-clinical results from two proprietary DNA-based universal influenza vaccine candidates using the company’s proprietary electroporation delivery technology and, specifically, a new intradermal device. Inovio Biomedical Corporation (AMEX: INO) is a leader in enabling the development of DNA vaccines using a proprietary electroporation-based DNA delivery platform. In this study, 100% of the immunized mice given a lethal challenge of highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus (A/Vietnam/1203/04) survived and showed only minor weight loss. Inovio tested both traditional plasmid-based DNA and Vandalia Research’s Triathlon-produced DNA (linear expression cassettes, or LEC’s) and achieved similar results.

The DNA vaccine design was based on a different influenza strain (H1N1) than the influenza strain used in the challenge, providing evidence that a universal vaccine based on conserved genes common to multiple strains of seasonal influenza and even potential pandemic influenza may have the possibility to provide widespread protection against such viruses.

These results were presented by Dr. Michael Fons, VP Corporate Development, on July 15th at the Controlled Release Society 35th Annual Meeting and Exposition.

According to Inovio, fully synthetic linear expressing cassettes (LEC), or linear constructs, produced by Vandalia Research, represent a new type of carrier mechanism for the genes that comprise a DNA vaccine. Numerous clinical studies have provided evidence that DNA plasmids are inexpensive, safe, and effective for delivering DNA vaccines. LECs are a next generation of synthetic DNA constructs that are easier, faster and cheaper to make, while providing equivalent utility.

Inovio Biomedical’s press release may be found at their website, www.inovio.com.

About Vandalia Research, Inc.

Vandalia Research is a biotechnology research company based in Huntington, WV. Its core technology is the Triathlon, which enables large-scale production of specific, high-quality DNA molecules with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The company is now capable of providing milligram and gram scale DNA production for a variety of applications, including diagnostics, DNA vaccines, standards, and others.

CONTACT:

Derek Gregg
VP, Business Development
304-529-0803