LigoCyte Pharmaceuticals Presents Data Showing Heterosubtypic Protection Against Influenza Challenge With Virus-Like Particle Immunization

LigoCyte Pharmaceuticals
presented preclinical data today showing that immunization with their
influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) induced heterosubtypic protection in
a virus challenge study. The company's data were presented by Dr. Joel
Haynes, LigoCyte's senior director of vaccine development, at the Tenth
Annual Conference on Vaccine Research sponsored by the National Foundation
of Infectious Diseases in Baltimore.



The current influenza vaccination strategy involves immunization
against hemagglutinin antigens that undergo continuous alteration in
circulating influenza virus. Because the annual vaccines have to be
manufactured in advance of influenza outbreaks, the unexpected emergence of
a new or drifted subtype may result in a substantial reduction in
protection.



LigoCyte's data show that immunization with their unique influenza
H1N1-VLP formulation resulted in 100% protection against both H1N1 and H3N2
influenza challenge in preclinical studies. LigoCyte has also produced
influenza VLPs carrying H3N2 and H5N1 antigens. H5N1 is the avian flu
subtype that is currently circulating in bird populations and causing
sporadic infections and death in humans.



"There is a great need for a universal influenza vaccine that
simplifies manufacturing and delivery while enhancing protection against
multiple viral subtypes," said Dr. Robert Bargatze, LigoCyte's chief
scientific officer.



About LigoCyte:



LigoCyte, established in 1998, is developing a new generation of
vaccines and monoclonal antibody therapeutics for the prevention and
treatment of infectious diseases and inflammation. The company's
investigational Norovirus vaccine for the prevention of acute
gastroenteritis is currently in Phase I clinical studies. LigoCyte is
advancing its other proprietary products into human clinical testing,
positioning the company for continued growth and success in the
biotechnology industry. For additional information on LigoCyte, please
visit ligocyte. Binding Science. Better Medicine.



This work is supported by the U.S. Army Medical Research and Material
Command under Contract Nos. W8IXWH-05-C-0135. The views, opinions and/or
findings contained in this report are those of the author(s) and should not
be construed as an official Department of the Army position, policy or
decision unless so designated by other documentation. In conducting
research using animals, the investigator(s) adhered to the "Guide for the
Care and Use of Laboratory Animals," prepared by the Committee on Care and
Use of Laboratory Animals of the Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources,
National Research Council (NIH Publication No. 86-23, Revised 1985). In
conducting work involving the use of recombinant DNA the investigator(s)
adhered to Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules;
Notice, Federal Register, July 5, 1994, Volume 59, Number 127.


LigoCyte Pharmaceuticals

ligocyte