PRESS RELEASES
ImmunoVaccine Technologies’ DepoVax™ Shows Positive Results for Cancer and Infectious Diseases
October 1, 2008
Halifax, Nova Scotia – ImmunoVaccine Technologies’ (IVT) patented depot vaccine formulation, DepoVax™ is showing positive pre-clinical results, with single-dose efficacy achieved in therapeutic cancer and several infectious disease vaccine models. The results of this research will be presented October 4th at the Ehrlich II conference in Germany. Collaborators from the University of Miami will also be reporting on the capabilities of IVT's depot formulations for delivery of DNA and SiRNA in vivo.
DepoVax™ provides a unique single-dose capability, and is based on a novel approach to the use of liposomes, which encapsulate a target antigen and adjuvant. The vaccine formulation also relies on a hydrophobic oil carrier. The result is a depot effect that significantly enhances vaccine induced cell-mediated and humoral immunity.
The efficacy of a single dose of a DepoVax™ formulation was shown using a Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) associated cervical cancer model. In the therapeutic C3 tumor challenge model, DepoVax™ eliminated 100% of established cancerous tumors after a single dose. In contrast, tumors remained intact when treated with a placebo vaccine. The effect of the vaccine is linked to the activation of a potent and specific cellular immune response.
“We have developed depot vaccine formulations that can induce a more effective immune response than other vaccination strategies used in the clinic today,” said Dr. Marc Mansour, vice president of R&D at IVT. “We look forward to testing our therapeutic cancer formulations in the clinic this coming year.”
For the humoral response, a recombinant H5 antigen was used. IVT immunized models, once with the DepoVax™ vaccine formulation and once or twice with a control alum-based vaccine, for avian influenza. At all time points tested, as early as 18 days and for at least 20 weeks, antibody titers induced by the depot vaccine were 10-15 times higher than a single dose of the control alum vaccine. The vaccine induced quick and strong specific immunity against the avian influenza antigen. In the longer term, the antibody responses generated were superior or equal to the two-dose alum vaccine.
“Typically, vaccines need booster shots to be effective, which is not an option in a pandemic situation,” said Mansour. “Our depot vaccine formulation makes a single-dose pandemic flu vaccine a strong possibility.”
IVT’s strategy is multi-targeted; the company is exploring pandemic and seasonal influenza, as well as Hepatitis B. In addition, IVT is designing HLA-A2 peptide-based therapeutic depot vaccines for breast, ovarian and prostate cancers. By using tumor-specific peptides, IVT’s depot vaccines induce a potent cellular response that destroys 100% of the tumors, indicating a promising immunotherapy for cancer.
About IVT
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc., winner of Canada’s Top 10 Life Sciences Companies, is a private, clinical-stage, vaccine development company. Through its own biotech research, patented VacciMax® and DepoVax™ technologies, and collaborations with partners, IVT creates vaccines with the potential to help save and improve lives around the world.
In January 2008, IVT licensed its technology to Pfizer Animal health, marking a pivotal step in achieving its vision of delivering breakthrough vaccines. www.immunovaccine.com
Contact:
Brian Lowe, Vice President, IVT
T: (902) 492-1819
E: bl.ivt@immunovaccine.com
OR
Jennifer Ayotte, Communications
T: (902) 209-4704
E: jayotte@impactcommunication.ca
ImmunoVaccine Technologies selected as Canada's Top 10™ Life Sciences Companies
September 30, 2008
Halifax, Nova Scotia – ImmunoVaccine Technologies (IVT), a vaccine development company, has been selected as one of the winners of Canada’s Top 10 Life Sciences Companies (www.topcanadiancompanies.ca). Winners are chosen by an independent expert panel of Canadian and U.S. venture capitalists. This award gives IVT the opportunity to present at the 12th Annual Ottawa Venture and Technology Summit on October 8, 2008. (www.ottawavts.com).
“We have a technology that gives impressive results when applied to therapeutic cancer and infectious disease vaccines and, as Canada’s Top 10™, we now have an exclusive opportunity to present to top tier venture capitalists,” said Dr. Randal Chase, president & CEO of IVT.
Canada’s Top 10™ is organized by OCRI (Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation). Originally developed to promote the 10 most promising life science companies from across Canada to Canadian and international investors and partners, the competition now showcases Canada's life sciences, cleantech and technology sectors. Of the 30 winning companies, only IVT has been chosen from Atlantic Canada.
Working in partnership with Canadian Consulates in Boston, New York City, San Diego and San Francisco, winning companies will participate in targeted investment forums in each city, providing them with an opportunity to meet with Venture Capital investors who have expressed an active interest in financing these companies. Since its inception in 1999, competition alumni have secured more than $522M in venture capital financing.
About IVT
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. is a private, clinical-stage, vaccine development company. Through its own biotech research, patented VacciMax® and DepoVax™ technologies, and collaborations with partners, IVT creates vaccines with the potential to help save and improve lives around the world.
In January 2008, IVT licensed its technology to Pfizer Animal health, marking a pivotal step in achieving its vision of delivering breakthrough vaccines. www.immunovaccine.com
Contact:
Brian Lowe, Vice President, IVT
T: (902) 492-1819
E: bl.ivt@immunovaccine.com
OR
Jennifer Ayotte, Communications
T: (902) 209-4704
E: jayotte@impactcommunications.ca
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Broadens Its Patent Protection to Japan
August 5, 2008
Halifax, Nova Scotia - ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT), a vaccine development company, today announced receipt of patent approval from the Japanese Patent Office for its vaccine platform. The specific patent, Vaccines with enhanced immune response and methods for their preparation, claims broad exclusivity that an effective, long-term immune response to treat a disease can be produced using a vaccine comprising of an antigen, an adjuvant, vesicles known as liposomes, and a hydrophobic carrier.
"We have a novel technology that enhances vaccines dramatically, so receiving patent approval is important in protecting our competitive advantage,” commented Dr. Marc Mansour, Vice President R&D at IVT.
Securing broad patent coverage is part of IVT’s strategy to maximize the market potential of its VacciMax® platform in the largest pharmaceutical markets in the world; including the US, Europe, Canada, Australia and Japan. The company’s VacciMax® technology is based on a novel approach to the use of liposomes in an oil emulsion. IVT has discovered that liposomes, stabilized in the VacciMax® technology, significantly enhance antibody production, creating a more rapid immune response, following a single vaccination. The responses are also long lasting, without requiring booster immunizations.
“The issuance of the patent in Japan complements the US and European patents for our vaccine platform technology,” said Dr. Randal Chase, President and CEO of IVT. “We are watching the growth of the Asian market, and patent coverage in Japan is an important step in contributing to the wide reach of our vaccine products.”
About IVT
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. is a private, clinical-stage, vaccine development company. Through its own biotech research, patented VacciMax® and DepoVax™ technologies, and collaborations with partners, IVT creates vaccines with the potential to help save and improve lives around the world.
In December 2007, IVT signed a binding MOU to acquire Pennsylvania-based Immunotope Inc. The acquisition enables IVT to create an entire pipeline of proprietary therapeutic cancer and infectious-disease specific vaccines. In January 2008, IVT licensed its technology to Pfizer Animal health, marking a pivotal step in achieving its vision of delivering breakthrough vaccines.
www.immunovaccine.com
Contact:
Brian Lowe, Vice President, IVT
T: (902) 492-1819
E: bl.ivt@immunovaccine.com
OR
Jennifer Ayotte, Communications
T: (902) 209-4704
E: jayotte@impactcommunications.ca
Warwick Kimmins Science Scholarship Awarded
June 26, 2008
Halifax, Nova Scotia; ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT), a vaccine development company, has awarded the Warwick Kimmins Science Scholarship today to Samantha Silliker. Samantha is graduating from Westisle Composite High School in PEI and will be attending Dalhousie University in September.
“To win this scholarship Samantha wrote a compelling essay on her belief that a future breakthrough in stem cell research will help find a cure for cancer,” said Brian Lowe, Vice President of IVT.
“She is an excellent student with genuine interest in scientific research. We are pleased to offer her this scholarship in memory of Warwick Kimmins and wish her well in pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree,” continued Lowe.
Samantha’s family has been affected by cancer and now she is taking up the fight, acting as co-chair of her high school’s Relay for Life cancer fundraiser. She is also a talented soccer and rugby player, figure skater and a volunteer coach.
The scholarship is in memory of IVT’s founder, Dr. Warwick Kimmins. Kimmins, was the former Dean of the Faculty of Science at Dalhousie University and was instrumental in bringing IVT to where it is today.
About IVT
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. is a private, clinical-stage, vaccine development company. Through its own biotech research, patented VacciMax® and DepoVax™ technologies, and collaborations with partners, IVT creates vaccines with the potential to help save and improve lives around the world.
In December 2007, IVT signed a binding MOU to acquire Pennsylvania-based Immunotope Inc. The acquisition enables IVT to create an entire pipeline of proprietary therapeutic cancer and infectious-disease specific vaccines. In January 2008, IVT licensed its technology to Pfizer Animal health, marking a pivotal step in achieving its vision of delivering breakthrough vaccines.
www.immunovaccine.com
Contact:
Brian Lowe, Vice President IVT
T: (902) 492-1819
E: bl.ivt@immunovaccine.com
OR
Jennifer Ayotte, Communications
T: (902) 209-4704
E: jayotte@impactcommunications.ca
International Convention to Showcase Atlantic Canada's Contributions to Biotechnology Innovation
June 16, 2008
CHARLOTTETOWN (PE) – The Atlantic Canada Bio-Industries Alliance will lead a delegation of bioscience-based companies and organizations to San Diego, California, to attend an international conference, with help from the federal and provincial governments under the Canada/Atlantic Provinces Agreement on International Business Development (IBDA). The BIO 2008 International Conference, being held June 17-20, 2008, is the largest annual meeting and exhibition for the biotechnology industry in the world.
“Our Government’s support of this mission demonstrates our commitment to the development of Atlantic Canada’s bioscience industry on the global stage,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “This conference presents a unique opportunity to raise the international profile of Atlantic Canada’s growing industry by highlighting its contributions to biotechnology innovation.”
“The Government of Prince Edward Island’s new prosperity plan identifies BioScience as a priority sector,” said the Honorable Richard Brown, PEI’s Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning. “Participating in international conferences such as BIO 2008 will further advance Prince Edward Island’s reputation as a leading location for BioScience businesses. This event will also allow local companies to explore commercialization and export opportunities.”
“Atlantic Canada plays a significant role within Canada’s biotechnology presence at BIO each year,” said Rory Francis, Executive Director of the Prince Edward Island BioAlliance. “The conference enables our region’s companies to showcase groundbreaking technologies to over 20,000 attendees and also helps our entrepreneurs gain access to other research and commercialization opportunities, including exposure to venture capital resources to fuel early-stage development.”
The Atlantic Canada delegation will participate in one-on-one business meetings and attend the official opening of the Canadian Pavilion, with the Honourable Tony Clement, federal Minister of Health, as guest speaker. The Atlantic Canada Bio-Industries Alliance will host an Atlantic Canada reception for invited international guests to meet the delegation from this region.
One of the participating companies has been chosen to make a presentation to the BIOBusiness Forum. Dr. Randal Chase, president and CEO of Nova Scotia-based ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. will speak on the commercialization and licensing potential of its patented vaccine platforms, VacciMax® and DepoVax. The market opportunities for ImmunoVaccine Technologies are broad, offering breakthroughs ranging from therapeutic cancer applications to infectious disease vaccines.
A total of $103,000 in financial assistance for the delegation’s participation in the BIO 2008 International conference is provided through the IBDA. The IBDA is a federal/provincial agreement between the Government of Canada (ACOA, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, and Industry Canada) and the four provincial governments in Atlantic Canada, and is designed to help Atlantic Canadian businesses enter, explore and succeed in international markets. The IBDA is the leading component of a pan-Atlantic effort to foster business relations, to attract foreign investment and to nurture technological co-operation.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Atlantic Canada Bio-Industries Alliance will lead a delegation of 12 Atlantic Canadian bioscience-based companies and organizations to San Diego, California to attend an international conference, with help from the federal and provincial governments under the Canada/Atlantic Provinces Agreement on International Business Development. The BIO 2008 International Conference, being held June 17-20, is the largest annual meeting and exhibition for the biotechnology industry in the world.
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of ACOA said the conference will help to raise the profile of Atlantic Canada’s growing industry by showcasing its contributions to biotechnology innovation.
A total of $103,000 in financial assistance for the delegation’s participation in the BIO 2008 conference is provided through the IBDA, a federal-provincial agreement which is designed to help Atlantic Canadian businesses enter, explore and succeed in international markets.
INFORMATION:
Rose May Gallant
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-851-3034
Major Stewart
Communications Officer
PEI Business Development Inc.
902-620-3508
(This news release is available on the ACOA website at www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca under Media Room.)
Exhibitors – Atlantic Canada Pavilion
BIO 2008, San Diego, CA June 17 - 20, 2008
Companies and organizations participating in BIO 2008 include:
New Brunswick
BioAtlantech (Fredericton)
Newfoundland and Labrador
New Lab Clinical Research (St. John’s)
Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries (St. John’s)
Nova Scotia
BioNova (Halifax)
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (Halifax)
Progress Research & Development (Halifax)
Prince Edward Island
AquaBounty Technologies (Souris)
Atlantic Veterinary College (Charlottetown)
BioVectra Inc. (Charlottetown)
Chemaphor (Charlottetown)
Neurodyn Inc. (Charlottetown)
Prince Edward Island BioAlliance (Charlottetown)
Bioject and ImmunoVaccine Technologies Announce Research Collaboration
June 5, 2008
Researchers Explore Possibility of Enhancing Delivery of Pandemic Flu Vaccine
Portland, OR, USA and Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada – Bioject Medical Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq: BJCT), a leading developer of needle-free injection therapy (NFIT) systems, and ImmunoVaccine Technologies, Inc. (IVT), a vaccine development company, today announced they have entered into a collaborative Research Agreement to assess utilization of the Biojector® 2000 for the delivery of IVT’s unique vaccine enhancement platform, DepoVaxTM.
This research will test the efficacy of an IVT pandemic influenza vaccine formulation delivered using Bioject’s flagship Bioject B2000 device. The research will compare the onset, magnitude and duration of the anti-influenza response using the Bioject B2000 device against the same responses using standard needle-injection procedures. Should this research collaboration demonstrate positive results with a Pandemic Flu vaccine formulation, the two companies may enter into a joint development and commercialization agreement for the delivery of IVT’s vaccine products using Bioject’s needle-free injection device.
“Needle-free injection therapy systems provide enhancing technologies for vaccines, and we are confident that IVT’s vaccine pre-clinical trial will reaffirm the significant benefits of Bioject’s NFIT systems,” said Dr. Rick Stout Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Bioject. “We have found with other vaccines that our NFIT systems may improve immunogenicity, thereby improving efficacy. We believe that this research collaboration will be mutually beneficial to both companies in the near future.”
“It’s exciting to integrate our world class technologies,” remarked Dr. Marc Mansour, Vice-President of research and development at IVT. “By delivering our vaccine formulation with Bioject’s needle-free system, we hope to induce immune responses with a single dose even faster than we have before.”
Influenza is a RNA virus that causes respiratory disease in birds and mammals. There are three major influenza groups: A, B, and C (based on antigenicity). Groups A and B are the primary causes of influenza in humans. There are currently three types of effective flu vaccines: whole inactivated virus, split-virion containing fragments of the virus particle, and a nasal vaccine containing virions that are genetic reassortants of a Master Donor Virus (MDV) and a wildtype influenza virus. IVT has demonstrated that its vaccine enhancement platform induces very high immune responses against H5N1 influenza, within 18 days after a single dose. This study will explore the use of Bioject’s B2000 for the delivery of IVT’s pandemic influenza formulations.
About Bioject
Bioject Medical Technologies Inc., based in Portland, Oregon, is an innovative developer and manufacturer of needle-free injection therapy systems (NFITS). NFITS provide an empowering technology and works by forcing medication at high speed through a tiny orifice held against the skin. This creates a fine stream of high-pressure fluid penetrating the skin and depositing medication in the tissue beneath. The Company is focused on developing mutually beneficial agreements with leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and veterinary companies.
For more information on Bioject, visit www.bioject.com.
About IVT
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. is a private, clinical-stage, vaccine development company. Through its own biotech research, patented VacciMax® and DepoVax™ technologies, and collaborations with partners, IVT creates vaccines with the potential to help save and improve lives around the world. In January 2008, IVT licensed its technology to Pfizer Animal health, marking a pivotal step in achieving its vision of delivering breakthrough vaccines. www.immunovaccine.com
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding potential benefits provided by our NFIT product to ImmunoVaccine’s technologies. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, without limitation, uncertainties related to the effect our product will have on this specific vaccine. Readers of this press release are referred to the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s reports on Form 10-K and Forms 10-Q for further discussions of factors that could affect the Company’s business and its future results. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management on the date the statements are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if conditions or management’s estimates or opinions should change.
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Unveils Warwick Kimmins Science Scholarship
June 2, 2008
Halifax, Nova Scotia; ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT), a vaccine development company, launched the Warwick Kimmins Science Scholarship today to high school students in Atlantic Canada. The scholarship is aimed at encouraging students to pursue science in university.
“I want young people to be inspired by science,” said Brian Lowe, Vice President of IVT. “This gives students, who may not be at the top of their class, a chance to win a scholarship and to dream big.”
To apply for this scholarship, students must complete the application form and submit an essay on what scientific breakthrough they would like to make and why. The deadline to apply is June 13, 2008. Students may apply online at www.immunovaccine.com.
The scholarship is in memory of IVT’s founder, Dr. Warwick Kimmins. Kimmins, who was also the former Dean of the Faculty of Science at Dalhousie University, was instrumental in bringing IVT to where it is today.
About IVT
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. is a private, clinical-stage, vaccine development company. Through its own biotech research, patented VacciMax® and DepoVax™ technologies, and collaborations with partners, IVT creates vaccines with the potential to help save and improve lives around the world.
In December 2007, IVT signed a binding MOU to acquire Pennsylvania-based Immunotope Inc. The acquisition enables IVT to create an entire pipeline of proprietary therapeutic cancer and infectious-disease specific vaccines. In January 2008, IVT licensed its technology to Pfizer Animal health, marking a pivotal step in achieving its vision of delivering breakthrough vaccines.
www.immunovaccine.com
Contact:
Brian Lowe, Vice President IVT
T: (902) 492-1819
E: bl.ivt@immunovaccine.com
OR
Jennifer Ayotte, Communications
T: (902) 209-4704
E: jayotte@impactcommunications.ca
For more information: IVT_KimminsScholarship_Application.pdf
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Congratulates Dr. Ramila Philip as One of PA's Best 50 Women in Business
May 23, 2008
Halifax, Nova Scotia - ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT), a vaccine development company, congratulates Dr. Ramila Philip for being recognized as one of Pennsylvania’s Best 50 Women in Business. Dr. Ramila Philip, Co-Founder and President of Immunotope Inc., received the honors from Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell.
“Ramila is a champion in the biotech industry. Her clinical work in antigen discovery for ovarian and breast cancer is inspiring,” commented Dr. Randal Chase, President and CEO of IVT.
Dr. Philip was selected as one of Pennsylvania’s Best 50 Women in Business from a list of 1,500 highly accomplished nominees, by an independent panel of judges. She is currently working with IVT to develop a pipeline of novel therapeutic cancer and infectious disease vaccines.
Prior to co-founding Immunotope, Dr. Philip was Vice President of Product Development and Scientific Affairs at Upstate Inc. While at Upstate, Dr. Philip and her group obtained FDA approval of an orphan drug application for melanoma immunotherapy. She continues to develop immunotherapy and gene therapy products, from research to early phase clinical testing.
Dr. Philip has over 15 years of experience in biotech industry and over 50 publications in major scientific journals.
About IVT
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. is a private, clinical-stage, vaccine development company. Through its own biotech research, patented VacciMax® and DepoVax™ technologies, and collaborations with partners, IVT creates vaccines with the potential to help save and improve lives around the world.
In December 2007, IVT signed a binding MOU to acquire Pennsylvania-based Immunotope Inc. The acquisition enables IVT to create an entire pipeline of proprietary therapeutic cancer and infectious-disease specific vaccines. In January 2008, IVT licensed its technology to Pfizer Animal health, marking a pivotal step in achieving its vision of delivering breakthrough vaccines.
www.immunovaccine.com
Contact:
Brian Lowe, Vice President
T: (902) 492-1819
E: bl.ivt@immunovaccine.com
Or
Jennifer Ayotte, Communications
T: (902) 209-4704
E: jayotte@impactcommunications.ca
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Patents DepoVax™ Vaccine Platform
April 30, 2008
Halifax, Nova Scotia - ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT), a vaccine development company, unveiled today its DepoVax™ platform, a novel depot vaccine delivery system used to increase the efficacy and strength of vaccines. IVT has filed additional patents to protect the DepoVax™ concept.
"The results from our preclinical studies demonstrate that DepoVax™ is highly effective with a single dose," remarked Marc Mansour, vice president of research and development at IVT. "DepoVax™ is superior to conventional vaccine formulations in its ability to raise strong cellular and humoral immune responses to a variety of antigens, a hallmark of IVT's vaccine formulations."
DepoVax™ has been tested in pandemic influenza and therapeutic cancer models. The research shows DepoVax™-vaccines deliver effective, long lasting results with only one dose.
DepoVax™ vaccines are readily amenable to commercialization. They can be manufactured in large batches, and are well suited for large scale distribution and long-term storage. DepoVax™ vaccines are packaged and stored in a dry form, ensuring the stability of antigens, which can otherwise be unstable in aqueous formulations. DepoVax vaccines are also easy to administer by health care practitioners, an important consideration for immunization programs targeting infectious diseases in a population.
"Our patented technology offers a dramatic boost to the effectiveness of existing vaccines," said Randal Chase, president and CEO of IVT. "An effective and easy-to-administer DepoVax™ vaccine would be a valuable tool for health authorities dealing with a pandemic and we are planning to take this into the clinic as soon as possible."
About IVT
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. is a private, clinical-stage, vaccine development company. Through its own biotech research and collaborations with partners, IVT creates vaccines with the potential to help save and improve lives around the world.
In December 2007, IVT signed a binding MOU to acquire Pennsylvania-based Immunotope Inc. The acquisition enables IVT to create an entire pipeline of proprietary therapeutic cancer and infectious-disease specific vaccines. In January 2008, IVT licensed its technology to Pfizer Animal health, marking a pivotal step in achieving its vision of delivering breakthrough vaccines.
www.immunovaccine.com
Contact:
Brian Lowe, Vice President IVT
T: (902) 492-1819
E: bl.ivt@immunovaccine.com
Or
Jennifer Ayotte, Communications
T: (902) 209-4704
E: jayotte@impactcommunications.ca
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Appoints The Honourable Michael Kirby as Chair
February 20, 2008
Halifax, Nova Scotia – ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT), a vaccine development company, announced today the appointment of former senator, Michael Kirby, as the new Board of Directors Chair. Michael Kirby succeeds the late Dr. Warrick Kimmins, who provided exemplary leadership during his tenure and was instrumental in spinning out IVT’s novel technology from Dalhousie University.
“I am passionate about advancing health care and am delighted to be part of such a fast-growing biotech company," said former senator Michael Kirby. "IVT has an impressive track record and its patented technology holds tremendous potential to improve vaccines worldwide. “
“Michael Kirby is an internationally respected leader in health care,” said Dr. Randal Chase, IVT President and CEO. “His strategic advice will be invaluable, as we enter the next phase of development with the expectation of beginning a new Phase 1 clinical trial in 2009.”
The Honourable Michael Kirby has had a distinguished career spanning academia, business, provincial, and federal public service. Most recently, he was appointed, by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, to be the first Chair of the Mental Health Commission of Canada. He also serves on several boards including The Bank of Nova Scotia, Extendicare, Ontario Energy Savings Income Trust, MDC Partners, and Indigo Books and Music.
Senator Kirby was past chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology. He has been a member of the Trilateral Commission, the Council of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Luxemburg, Austria, and the Club of Rome. He was also a full-time professor in the School of Business Administration and the School of Public Administration at Dalhousie University.
About IVT
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. is a private, clinical-stage, vaccine development company. Through its own biotech research and collaborations with partners, IVT creates vaccines with the potential to help save and improve lives around the world.
The company, using its proprietary VacciMax® platform, is able to stimulate an earlier, more powerful, long lasting immune response that could provide a new way to treat cancer and infectious diseases.
In December 2007, IVT signed a binding MOU to acquire Pennsylvania-based Immunotope Inc. The acquisition enables IVT to create an entire pipeline of proprietary therapeutic cancer and infectious-disease specific vaccines. In January 2008, IVT licensed its technology to Pfizer Animal health, marking a pivotal step in achieving its vision of delivering breakthrough vaccines.
www.immunovaccine.com
Contact:
Brian Lowe, Vice President IVT
T: (902) 492-1819
E: bl.ivt@immunovaccine.com
Or
Jennifer Ayotte, Communications
T: (902) 209-4704
E: jayotte@impactcommunications.ca
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Discusses Phase I Clinical Trial Application
January 23, 2008
Halifax, NS – ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT) announced today that it has met with Health Canada’s regulatory affairs division, the Biologics and Genetic Therapies Directorate, to discuss requirements for a Phase I clinical trial application. For Phase I human clinical trials, IVT plans to combine novel antigens with its vaccine-enhancement technology, the VacciMax® platform.
“We are seeing impressive pre-clinical results with the VacciMax® platform,” said Dr. Randal Chase, president and CEO of IVT. ”The comments from the Biologics and Genetic Therapies Directorate are much appreciated because they give us direction as we proceed with our clinical development in Canada,” said Dr. Chase.
IVT will be in Phase I clinical trial in the US as a result of its acquisition of Immunotope, a Pennsylvania-based company. The Phase I trial is evaluating the safety of candidate antigens for a therapeutic vaccine in ovarian and breast cancer patients.
About IVT
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. is a private, clinical-stage, vaccine development company. Through its own biotech research and collaborations with partners, IVT creates vaccines with the potential to help save and improve lives around the world.
The company, using its proprietary VacciMax® platform, is able to stimulate an earlier, more powerful, long lasting immune response that could provide a new way to treat cancer and infectious diseases.
In December 2007, IVT signed a binding MOU to acquire Pennsylvania-based Immunotope Inc. The acquisition enables IVT to create an entire pipeline of proprietary therapeutic cancer and infectious-disease specific vaccines. In January 2008, IVT licensed its technology to Pfizer Animal health, marking a pivotal step in achieving its vision of delivering breakthrough vaccines.
www.immunovaccine.com
Contact:
Brian Lowe, Vice President IVT
T: (902) 492-1819
E: bl.ivt@immunovaccine.com
Or
Jennifer Ayotte, Communications
T: (902) 423-6610 x 315
E: jayotte@impactcommunications.ca
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Receives $3 Million from ACOA
January 21, 2008
Halifax, Nova Scotia – ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT), a clinical stage vaccine development company, will receive $3 Million from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), under the Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF). This funding will enable IVT to undertake a $6 million project to develop new potent immune enhancement systems.
"Having ACOA recognize the market potential of our innovative vaccine platform is a tremendous boost,” commented Brian Lowe, Vice President of IVT. "This funding will enable us, over the next three years, to create novel vaccines for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases.
This funding announcement is the maximum grant awarded to a private company under Round V of the AIF. The funds will further IVT’s research collaborations and commercialization opportunities with pharmaceutical companies worldwide.
Atlantic Innovation Fund investments were announced earlier today by The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The Atlantic Innovation Fund is designed to increase leading edge research and development (R&D) in Atlantic Canadian research facilities, leading to the launch of new ideas, products, processes and services.
About the VacciMax® Platform
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT) has developed a breakthrough vaccine-enhancement technology - the VacciMax® platform. It is comprised of a mixture of liposomes and adjuvants. The VacciMax® platform is able to stimulate an earlier, more powerful, long lasting immune response that could provide a new way to treat a wide range of diseases.
The opportunities for market applications and medical benefits for the VacciMax® platform are broad, and include prostate, breast, cervical, ovarian, colon and lung cancer treatments, as well as vaccines for pandemic influenza and other infectious diseases.
www.immunovaccine.com
Contact:
Brian Lowe, Vice President IVT
T: (902) 492-1819
E: bl.ivt@immunovaccine.com
Or
Jennifer Ayotte, Communications
T: (902) 209-4704
E: jayotte@impactcommunications.ca
ImmunoVaccine Technologies licenses the VacciMax® platform to Pfizer Animal Health for future animal vaccine applications
January 14, 2008
Halifax, Nova Scotia – ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT), announced today that it had signed licensing agreements for Pfizer Animal Health to apply IVT's novel VacciMax® vaccine platform to the potential development of future, particular livestock vaccines.
Although terms of the agreements were not disclosed, IVT will receive upfront signing fees, milestone and royalty payments.
"We are excited that Pfizer plans to commercialize our technology," said Dr. Randal Chase, President and CEO of ImmunoVaccine Technologies. “We look forward to further discussions with Pfizer to integrate the VacciMax® platform into more applications in the fields of animal health care."
About the VacciMax® Platform
The VacciMax® vaccine-enhancement platform is comprised of a mixture of liposomes and adjuvants. The VacciMax® platform significantly enhances antibody production. IVT has demonstrated that the VacciMax® platform not only improves humoral response, but also cell-mediated response (cytotoxic CTL). This is a novel technology that could aid the development of new vaccines in human and animal health applications, with potential for both therapeutic cancer applications and preventative infectious disease vaccines. In pre-clinical animal models, IVT’s research shows that the VacciMax® platform has the ability to greatly enhance the effectiveness of antigens and could provide a new way to treat a wide range of diseases.
About Pfizer Animal Health
Pfizer, Inc., the world’s largest research-based biomedical and pharmaceutical company, also is a world leader in discovering and developing innovative animal vaccines and prescription medicines. For additional information visit www.PfizerAH.com.
About IVT
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT) is a clinical stage vaccine development company focused on commercialization of its novel vaccine candidates. www.immunovaccine.com
DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The information contained in this release is as of January 14, 2008. IVT assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.
This release contains forward-looking information about IVT’s vaccine-enhancement platform, including its potential to aid the development of new vaccines in human and animal health applications, that involves substantial risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the uncertainties inherent in research and development; decisions by regulatory authorities regarding whether and when to approve any such vaccines; and competitive developments.
Contact:
Brian Lowe, Vice President
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc.
T: 902.492.1819
E: bl.ivt@immunovaccine.com
Jennifer Ayotte, Impact Communications
T: 902.423.6610 x 315
E: jayotte@impactcommunications.ca
Rick Goulart, Director of Public Relations
Pfizer Animal Health Inc.
T: 212.733.7457
E: rick.goulart@pfizer.com
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. to Acquire Immunotope Inc.
December 10, 2007
Halifax, Nova Scotia - ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT), a Nova Scotia-based vaccine enhancement company, has signed a binding memorandum of understanding to acquire Immunotope Inc., a Pennsylvania-based biotechnology company developing immunotherapy products for the treatment and prevention of cancer and infectious diseases.
The acquisition will bring together IVT’s signature VacciMax® platform with Immunotope’s portfolio of immunotherapeutic antigens and antigen discovery platform, allowing the new private company to create an entire pipeline of proprietary therapeutic cancer and infectious-disease specific vaccines. The combined clinical-stage company will continue to support Immunotope’s ongoing Phase 1 immunotherapeutic vaccine clinical trial in ovarian and breast cancer patients.
“IVT is continuously evaluating partnership opportunities,” remarked Dr. Randal Chase, president and CEO of IVT. “With this acquisition, we enhance our research capabilities, expand our operations into the U.S., and gain a distinct competitive advantage for our immunotherapy products.”
Dr. Ramila Philip, President and CSO of Immunotope commented, “The complementary scientific and management skills of IVT and Immunotope will enable us to leverage our respective strengths and increase our capability to develop therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines. Therapeutic cancer vaccines that combine the right antigens with a powerful delivery system have the potential to treat cancer early and prevent recurrence.”
The full acquisition will be complete by June 2008.
About ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc.
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT) is a vaccine enhancement company focused on the commercialization of its patented VacciMax® platform. VacciMax® is a novel technology that can aid the development of new vaccines in human health applications with potential for both therapeutic cancer applications and preventative infectious disease vaccines. The opportunities for market applications and medical benefits are broad, with potential applications in cervical, melanoma, breast, prostate and colon cancer treatments, as well as prevention therapies for influenza and other infectious diseases. www.immunovaccine.com
About Immunotope Inc.
Immunotope is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing immunotherapy products for the treatment of cancer and chronic viral infections. Immunotope focuses on the critical, unmet need to diagnose cancer at its earliest stages and to provide effective treatments that destroy tumors and prevent recurrence and metastasis. The company's lead product, the IMT-1012 multivalent therapeutic vaccine, is now being evaluated in a Phase I clinical trial in advanced-stage ovarian and breast cancer patients. www.immunotope.com
Contact:
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc.:
Brian Lowe, Vice President
T: (902) 492-1819
E: bl.ivt@immunovaccine.com
Media Contact:
Impact Communications Group:
Jennifer Ayotte
T: (902) 209-4704
E: jayotte@impactcommunications.ca
Immunotope, Inc.:
Lorraine Keller, Ph.D., Executive Vice President
T: (215) 589-6352
E: lkeller@immunotope.com
Media Contact:
Richard Lewis Communications, Inc.:
Gregory Tiberend
T: (212) 827-0020
E: gtiberend@rlcinc.com
or Meghan Feeks
T: (212) 827-0020
E: mfeeks@rlcinc.com
IVT Wins Innovation Award
December 3, 2007
Halifax, Nova Scotia - Halifax-based ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT) has received the 2007 Discovery Centre Award for Innovation. The award recognizes IVT for demonstrating outstanding innovative work and entrepreneurial spirit.
“We have developed a ground-breaking vaccine platform and we are honoured to be recognized for our work,” said Dr. Marc Mansour, Vice President of Research and Development.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, one in four people will die from cancer this year, making the need for safe and effective cancer therapies essential.
“Our technology triggers the immune system to fight cancer cells and we are excited by the potential of VacciMax®,” continued Mansour.
IVT’s product, VacciMax®, is a vaccine-enhancement platform comprised of a special emulsion of liposomes, antigens, adjuvants and oil. In IVT lab models for melanoma and cervical cancer, the VacciMax® platform has proven effective in eliminating 100% of tumors.
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT) is a vaccine enhancement company focused on the commercialization of its patented VacciMax® platform. VacciMax® is a novel technology that can aid the development of new vaccines in human health applications with potential for both therapeutic cancer applications and preventative infectious disease vaccines. The opportunities for market applications and medical benefits are broad, and are currently being applied to cervical cancer, with potential for melanoma, breast, prostate and colon cancer treatments, as well as prevention therapies for influenza and other infectious diseases. www.immunovaccine.com
Contact:
Jennifer Ayotte, Communications
T: (902) 423-6610 x 315
E: jayotte@impactcommunications.ca
Or
Brian Lowe, Vice President IVT
T: (902) 492-1819
E: bl.ivt@immunovaccine.com
Related Link: http://www.immunovaccine.com/articles.php
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. Completes Scale-Up of VacciMax® to Commercially Relevant Scale
November 29, 2007
Halifax, Nova Scotia – ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT) announced today that it has successfully scaled-up the manufacturing process for its vaccine platform, VacciMax®. This work validates the suitability of the platform for commercial applications in therapeutic cancer and infectious disease indications. The manufacturing development was performed at Dalton Pharma Services, a Health Canada and GMP compliant pharmaceutical manufacturing and development company. Today’s results show that IVT’s vaccine delivery platform can be produced on a commercial scale.
IVT’s product, VacciMax®, is a vaccine-enhancement platform comprised of a special emulsion of liposomes, antigens, adjuvants and oil. To prepare VacciMax® for human cancer clinical trials, IVT has been developing its platform to meet all regulatory requirements including manufacturing in a GMP setting. The ability to scale-up, under GMP or good manufacturing practices, is mandatory for various worldwide regulatory authorities, such as the FDA. By successfully producing VacciMax® at a commercially relevant batch size, IVT plans to license its vaccine technology worldwide for the therapy and prevention of cancer and infectious diseases.
"We are pleased to collaborate with IVT and wish to congratulate the entire team on meeting such an important milestone. The successful scale-up of VacciMax® was a direct result of the Dalton and IVT teams' strong technical capabilities and project management skills," remarked Peter Pekos, President and CEO of Dalton Pharma Services.
IVT’s testing verified that development batches produced at Dalton at an increasing scale retained their expected biological activity. Analytical testing also showed that the various elements of the platform are chemically stable. The latest batch produced at the 50 litre scale also met manufacturing and chemical specifications.
“VacciMax® is a novel technology with broad potential,” said Marc Mansour, Vice President of Research and Development. “Proving that our technology can be manufactured in a GMP environment and is scalable, will enable us to aid the development of vaccines for numerous therapeutic cancer and preventative infectious disease applications.“
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT) is a vaccine enhancement company focused on the commercialization of its patented VacciMax® platform. VacciMax® is a novel technology that can aid the development of new vaccines in human health applications with potential for both therapeutic cancer applications and preventative infectious disease vaccines. The opportunities for market applications and medical benefits are broad, and are currently being applied to cervical cancer, with potential for melanoma, breast, prostate and colon cancer treatments, as well as prevention therapies for influenza and other infectious diseases. www.immunovaccine.com
Contact:
Jennifer Ayotte, Communications
T: (902) 423-6610 x 315
E: jayotte@impactcommunications.ca
Or
Brian Lowe, Vice President IVT
T: (902) 492-1819
E: bl.ivt@immunovaccine.com
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. Nears Phase I Clinical Trials with Completion of Scientific Advisory Board
September 27, 2007
Halifax, Nova Scotia – ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT) finalizes an important step in its progress with the last appointment to its scientific advisory board (SAB), international oncology expert, Dr. Neil Berinstein.
Dr. Berinstein is the Global Head of the Cancer Vaccine Program at Sanofi Pasteur, and a professor at the University of Toronto’s Department of Medicine. He has a long track record in fundamental research and has a significant publication record in the area of normal and malignant B cell biology, including articles, abstracts and book chapters on immunotherapeutic approaches for cancer including cancer vaccines. He was recently appointed vice-president of the Sabin Institute Cancer vaccine consortium. Dr. Berinstein received an MD from the University of Manitoba, and completed training programs at the University of Toronto in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology. Following this, he spent four years as a post-doctoral fellow in Dr. Ron Levy’s Lab at Stanford University working in the area of immunotherapy for cancer.
“IVT has very promising science,” remarked Dr. Berinstein. “Their work is particularly interesting to me, and my commitment to new immunotherapeutic approaches for patients with cancer. “
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. has been actively recruiting members to its SAB in preparation for its Phase I clinical trials, and sees this final appointment as a major stepping stone to that goal.
“This final appointment is one of the last steps before our Phase I clinical trials,” said Dr. W. Martin Kast, chair of the scientific advisory board. “Dr. Berinstein’s experience and insight are reflective of the quality of professionals that our exciting projects have attracted,” continued Kast.
“Dr. Berinstein is a valuable addition to the team, and represents a pivotal point in our ongoing plan to introduce our patented vaccine platform,” commented Dr. Randal Chase, president and CEO of IVT.
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT) is a vaccine enhancement company focused on the commercialization of its patented VacciMax® platform. VacciMax® is a novel technology that can aid the development of new vaccines in human health applications with potential for both therapeutic cancer applications and preventative infectious disease vaccines. The opportunities for market applications and medical benefits are broad, and are currently being applied to cervical cancer, with potential for melanoma, breast, prostate and colon cancer treatments, as well as prevention therapies for influenza and other infectious diseases. www.immunovaccine.com
Contact:
Jennifer Ayotte, Communications
T: (902) 423-6610 x 315
Email:jayotte@impactcommunications.ca
Or
Brian Lowe, Vice President
Tel (902) 492-1819
Email: bl.ivt@immunovaccine.com
ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. Scientific Advisory Board Welcomes New Members
May 31, 2007
Halifax, NS – ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT) appoints Dr. Michel Klein and Dr. Walter Storkus, international experts in immunology, to its scientific advisory board.
Dr. Michel Klein is the Deputy CEO at Etna Biotech s.r.l. and serves as an expert consultant to the EU as a member of the Partnership Board for European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP). He has authored more than 200 scientific publications and secured 500 patents in immunology, molecular biology and vaccinology. He is also a knight in the order of the French Legion d’Honneur. Dr. Klein received an MD from the Faculty of Medicine of Paris and a diploma in Immunology from Institut Pasteur in 1969. Dr. Klein previously held the positions of Professor of Immunology at the University of Toronto and of Vice President Research at Aventis Pasteur.
“As a clinician and a researcher, I look forward to providing direction as IVT breaks new ground in the fields of cancer treatment and immunization,” remarked Dr. Klein.
Dr. Walter Storkus currently is a Professor (Tenure) with the Departments of Dermatology and Immunology at the University of Pittsburgh. His past positions include Head of Research – Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery and Professor (Tenure) for the Departments of Surgery and Pathology, as well as the Departments of Surgery, Dermatology and Immunology at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Storkus has authored more than 170 scientific publications and has memberships in numerous professional and societies throughout the United States. Dr. Storkus received his Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from Duke University in 1986.
“I have devoted my life to cancer research and am proud to lend guidance to IVT’s innovative research in improving existing vaccines and developing new vaccines based on the VacciMax® platform,” said Dr. Storkus.
“It’s an exciting pre-clinical time for IVT. The timing of the appointment of these new members is perfect,” said Dr. W. Martin Kast, chair of the scientific advisory board. “Drs Klein and Storkus bring the drive and the enthusiasm that is needed to guide our research and business growth,” continued Kast.
“We are delighted to have Dr. Klein and Dr. Storkus on our scientific advisory board, as their expertise will provide invaluable contribution to our continued development in pioneering the use of our patented vaccine platform,” commented Dr. Randal Chase, President and CEO of IVT.
IVT is a vaccine enhancement company focused on the commercialization of its patented VacciMax® platform. VacciMax® is a novel technology capable of improving existing vaccines or aiding the development of new vaccines in human health and animal health applications with potential for both preventative and therapeutic use. The potential market applications and medical benefits of VacciMax® are broad, and are currently being applied to cervical and melanoma cancers and prevention therapies as well as influenza and other infectious diseases.
Contact:
Jennifer Ayotte
Communications and Investor Relations
T: 423-6610 x 315
www.immunovaccine.com
Or
Brian Lowe
Vice President
Tel (902) 492-1819
Email: bl.ivt@immunovaccine.com
Therapy of established B16-F10 melanoma tumors by a single vaccination of CTL/T helper peptides in VacciMax®
April 23, 2007
A publication describing the use of VacciMax® for the treatment of melanoma in a pre-clinical model.
Therapy of established B16-F10 melanoma tumors by a single vaccination of CTL/T helper peptides in VacciMax®
Marc Mansour1, Bill Pohajdak1, W Martin Kast2, Antar Fuentes-Ortega1, Ella Korets-Smith1, Genevieve M Weir1, Robert G Brown1 and Pirouz Daftarian1,3
1ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc., Halifax, NS, Canada
2Dept. of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
3Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
Journal of Translational Medicine 2007, 5:20
Abstract
Background
Melanoma tumors are known to express antigens that usually induce weak immune responses of short duration. Expression of both tumor-associated antigens p53 and TRP2 by melanoma cells raises the possibility of simultaneously targeting more than one antigen in a therapeutic vaccine. In this report, we show that VacciMax® (VM), a novel liposome-based vaccine delivery platform, can increase the immunogenicity of melanoma associated antigens, resulting in tumor elimination.
Methods
C57BL/6 mice bearing B16-F10 melanoma tumors were vaccinated subcutaneously 6 days post tumor implantation with a mixture of synthetic peptides (modified p53: 232–240, TRP-2: 181–188 and PADRE) and CpG. Tumor growth was monitored and antigen-specific splenocyte responses were assayed by ELISPOT.
Results
Vaccine formulated in VM increased the number of both TRP2- and p53-specific IFN-γ producing splenocytes following a single vaccination. Vaccine formulated without VM resulted only in enhanced IFN-γ producing splenocytes to one CTL epitopes (TRP2:180–188), suggesting that VM overcomes antigen dominance and enhances immunogenicity of multiple epitopes. Vaccination of mice bearing 6-day old B16-F10 tumors with both TRP2 and p53-peptides formulated in VM successfully eradicated tumors in all mice. A control vaccine which contained all ingredients except liposomes resulted in eradication of tumors in no more than 20% of mice.
Conclusion
A single administration of VM is capable of inducing an effective CTL response to multiple tumor-associated antigens. The responses generated were able to reject 6-day old B16-F10 tumors.
Related Link: http://www.translational-medicine.com/content/5/1/20
Source: Copyright © 2007 Mansour et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd., April 23, 2007
Premier MacDonald to Proclaim Biotechnology and Life Sciences Week in Nova Scotia
September 20, 2006
On September 27, Nova Scotia Premier, Rodney MacDonald will declare the week of September 24-30, 2006 as Biotechnology and Life Sciences Week in Nova Scotia. The proclamation is being made in recognition of the growing impact that the life sciences industry has on the province’s economy and on the overall well-being of Nova Scotians.
“The life sciences industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in our province, offering numerous economic and social benefits to all Nova Scotians,” said Premier MacDonald. “I am delighted to be able to make this proclamation on behalf of the province and recognize the talented entrepreneurs and researchers who have contributed to making Nova Scotia one of the emerging life sciences economies in Canada.”
Premier MacDonald will deliver the proclamation during the opening ceremonies of BioPort Atlantic 2006 to business and industry leaders, scientists, investors, government representatives, service providers, media and students from across North America and abroad. Hosted by BioNova, the province’s life sciences industry association, BioPort Atlantic is the annual signature event for life sciences in the region. This year’s conference runs September 26-27 at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel.
“BioNova is delighted with the Premier’s proclamation of Biotechnology and Life Sciences Week in Nova Scotia and I can’t imagine a better way to kick-off BioPort Atlantic 2006,” said Marli MacNeil, Chief Executive Officer of BioNova. “The life sciences industry is one that will bring great things to Nova Scotia and the provincial government’s recognition of the contribution our companies are making is encouraging.”
The innovations being commercialized by companies like Ocean Nutrition Canada, BioMedica Diagnostics, Acadian Seaplants, MedMira, Precision BioLogics andImmunoVaccine Technologieshave helped put Nova Scotia’s life sciences industry on the map. Premier MacDonald’s proclamation gives recognition to their success stories and to Nova Scotia’s position as a growing force in the trillion dollar global life sciences industry.
The proclamation also coincides with Canada’s National Biotechnology Week, which hosts a series of events spanning from Vancouver to St. John’s in celebration of the biotechnology industry across Canada.
About BioPort Atlantic:
BioPort Atlantic, the region’s premiere event for Canada’s National Biotechnology Week, is a celebration of the life sciences sector and brings a business focused forum for education and networking to industry, researchers, investors and government. The theme of this year’s conference is Success Stories … learning from others’, telling our own. In addition to a full line-up of speakers and panel presentations, the conference will showcase an exhibit of life sciences research from Atlantic Canada as well as a pitch session from various life sciences companies and organizations. The full conference line-up can be viewed at www.bionova.ns.ca/bioport.
About BioNova:
BioNova is Nova Scotia's Biotechnology and Life Sciences Industry Association. BioNova provides leadership and support to industry in the areas of advocacy; information and learning; education and development. BioNova’s mandate is to support its members as they develop their businesses, and to work with government and others to promote the creation of a business environment in which industry growth can occur. www.bionova.ns.ca.
For further information, contact:
Marli MacNeil, Chief Executive Officer
BioNova
(902) 229-4290 (cellular)
www.bionova.com
Related Link: http://www.bionova.ns.ca
Pharmexa grants PADRE® license to ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc.
August 31, 2006
To the Copenhagen Stock Exchange and the press – Release No. 27/2006
Summary: Pharmexa has granted a non-exclusive license for its PADRE® immunostimulatory peptides to ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc.
Pharmexa has entered into a license agreement with ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT) of Halifax, Nova Scotia for the use of PADRE® vaccines. IVT has a non-exclusive right to use PADRE® in combination with up to three different targets for its vaccines. The agreement includes up-front and future payments as well as royalties on sales. Financial details were not disclosed and the agreement will not effect Pharmexa’s financial forecasts for 2006.
The PADRE® peptides are a family of proprietary synthetic molecules that are potent, “universal” stimulators of helper T cells. When combined with vaccines, PADRE® potentiates both the humoral and cellular immune responses to the vaccine. PADRE® is an integral component of some of Pharmexa’s vaccines in cancer and infectious diseases and was acquired as part of the assets purchased from IDM Pharma resulting in the formation of Pharmexa-Epimmune based in San Diego, California.
Marc Hertz, CEO of Pharmexa-Epimmune, said: ”This agreement is a good example of the value of the Epimmune assets we recently acquired from IDM Pharma. IVT has an exciting vaccine technology and we are confident the addition of PADRE® will result in even better vaccines.”
Dr. Warwick Kimmins, the President of ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT) stated: “We are delighted to be working with Pharmexa. The combination of IVT’s VacciMax® technology with the PADRE® adjuvant from Pharmexa provides a very strong technology for the development of innovative cancer vaccines.”
HØrsholm, August 24, 2006
Jakob Schmidt
Chief Executive Officer
Additional Information:
Jakob Schmidt, Chief Executive Officer, telephone +45 4516 2525
Note to editors: Pharmexa A/S is a leading company in the field of active immunotherapy and vaccines for the treatment of cancer, serious chronic and infectious diseases. Pharmexa’s proprietary technology platforms are broadly applicable, allowing the company to address critical targets in cancer, rheumatoid arthritits, bone degeneration and Alzheimer;s disease, as well as serious infectious diseases such as HIV, influenza, hepatitis and malaria. Its leading programs are GV1001, a peptide vaccine that has entered phase III trials in pancreatic cancer and is expected to enter a phase II trial in loved cancer soon, as well as a number of HIV and hepatitis vaccines in phase I/II. Collaborative agreements include H. Lund beck, Innogenetics, IDM Pharma and Bavarian Nordic. With operations in Denmark, Norway and USA, Pharmexa employs approximately 100 people and is listed on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange under the trading symbol PHARMX.
IVT is a biotechnology company based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, focused on commercialization of a proprietart vaccine enhancement platform, trade named VacciMax®. IVT's human health vaccines are in a pre-clinical stage with products in development for whopping cough, influenze, breast cancer, cervical cancer and melanoma.
Dalhousie receives cash dividend from spin off company ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc.
August 29, 2006
Halifax, NS
Dalhousie will receive a one-time cash payment of $30,000.00 in return for the transfer of patent rights to licensee ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT). In addition Dalhousie retains a significant shareholding in IVT and expects to share in the future successes of IVT through its equity holding.
Dalhousie University has transferred the ownership of patents related to “the prevention of fertilization in animals”, to IVT at the request of the company under terms of the license agreement. IVT is a spin off venture, which was founded by Dalhousie scientists: Dr. Warwick Kimmins, Dr. Robert Brown, Dr. Bill Pohajdak and the late Dr. Michael Mezei.
“Over the years IVT has repaid all costs incurred by Dalhousie for expenses related to the patents and other commercialization expenses, plus the university has received a dividend to date of over $35,000”, commented Dr. Ronald Layden, Executive Director of Dalhousie’s Industry Liaison and Innovation office. “We wish IVT much success as they graduate to the next levels of company development. We would be very happy if all of our commercialization ventures were as successful as IVT has been”, stated Dr. Layden.
About ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT):
IVT, a company based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, is commercializing VacciMax®, a proprietary vaccine platform that induces long term antibody-mediated and cell-mediated immune responses following a single administration. IVT has several collaborative agreements to improve vaccines for human and veterinary applications, and is seeking additional partners that may benefit from the unique features of VacciMax®. www.immunovaccine.com
About Industry Liaison and Innovation at Dalhousie University:
Industry Liaison and Innovation (ILI) commercializes research at Dalhousie University, manages and facilitates collaborations between companies and university researchers and assists in the creation of spin-off ventures. www.dalinnovation.com
Contacts:
Dr. Ronald Layden
Executive Director
Industry Liaison and Innovation
Dalhousie University
902.494.3237
relayden@dal.ca
Recent IVT publication selected by "LeadDiscovery" as a groundbreaking cancer immunotherapy
May 16, 2006
The publication titled “Eradication of established HPV 16-expressing tumors by a single administration of a vaccine composed of a liposome-encapsulated CTL-T helper fusion peptide in a water-in-oil emulsion” was selected by “LeadDiscovery, DailyUpdates” as a groundbreaking immunotherapy for HPV-induced cancers with special interest to the pharmaceutical and biotech sector.
LeadDiscovery was founded in 1998 by life scientists for life scientists to help companies develop their pipelines through the identification of breaking research and the in depth and expert evaluation of selected therapeutic areas.
Results of the therapeutic effects of VacciMax® on HPV-bearing tumors published in the journal
April 18, 2006
A publication describing development of IVT’s anti-cervical cancer vaccine has appeared in the journal "Vaccine" [2006 April 18; Epub ahead of print].
Eradication of established HPV 16-expressing tumors by a single administration of a vaccine composed of a liposome-encapsulated CTL-T helper fusion peptide in a water-in-oil emulsion Pirouz Daftariana, Marc Mansoura, Anita C. Benoita, Bill Pohajdaka, David W. Hoskinb, Robert G. Browna, W. Martin Kastc,
a ImmunoVaccine Technologies, 1819 Granville St., Suite 303, Halifax, NS, Canada B3J 3R1 b Department of Pathology and Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada B3H 1X5 c Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, 1501 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA Received 7 December 2005; received in revised form 26 February 2006; accepted 24 March 2006
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women worldwide with half a million new cases per year. Despite the encouraging development of a preventative vaccine for HPV, a therapeutic vaccine for cervical cancer or pre-cancerous lesions remains a high priority. The preclinical study reported here used VacciMax® (VM) to deliver a peptide-based vaccine composed of an HPV 16 E7-derived cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitope fused to the T helper epitope PADRE (FP) and combined with CpG or lipopeptide adjuvant. In the study, C57BL/6 mice received 0.5 million HPV 16-expressing C3 tumor cells. Mice were inoculated post-tumor challenge with a single s.c. injection of FP-CpG-VM on either day 4, 5, 6, 9 and 14. All mice that received the FP-CpG-VM vaccine were tumor-free to day 130 when the experiment was terminated. In contrast, only a minority of mice that received a control vaccine were tumor-free on day 60. Cytotoxicity assays, ELISPOT and intracellular staining for interferon (IFN)-gamma showed the immune response was specific for the selected CTL epitope. All mice that received the FP-CpG-VM vaccine remained tumor-free when re-challenged with 6 million C3 cells. Cytotoxicity assays 4 months post-challenge showed that only splenocytes from mice inoculated with the FP-CpG-VM vaccine had high lysis activity. These results indicate that VacciMax® causes a rapid, robust, durable and therapeutic CTL response to HPV 16 E7 protein expressing tumors.
Source: Copyright © Vaccine, April 18, 2006 p.5235-5244
Knight who Fights Disease Among Those Given SCI Awards
March 1, 2006
Society of Chemical Industry Awards
A knight who develops vaccines and a doctor who is an inventor are among the outstanding recipients of the 2006 Canadian section of the Society of Chemical Industry awards.
The awards will be conferred at the 2006 SCI Canada Annual Awards Ceremony and Dinner, to be held February 21, 2006 at the Wyndham Bristol Place Hotel, Toronto, ON. Four awards will be presented at that time in recognition of outstanding achievement in service, industry and leadership,” said SCI Canada Events Chair and Phancorp Inc. President Isabel Alexander.
“These awards are given for major contribution to development and implementation of strategies, which have resulted either in the strengthening of Canadian industry or academic or research institutions in the field of chemistry,” said Alexander.
Recipients are usually key managers from Canadian industry or Canadian academics, with a clear industry connection, who have had strategic influence on Canadian industry in their field of endeavour, or those who through their leadership have strengthened key institutions relied upon by Canadian industry.
Purvis Memorial Award – Sir Michel Klein
The 2006 Purvis Memorial Award medal will be presented to Michael Klein. A knight in the order of the French Legion d’honneur, Klein is responsible for developing numerous human vaccines, including a five-component acellular pertussis vaccine, which is now on the commercial market.
Other vaccines he has developed are in various phases of development and he is the author of more than 200 publications and of 500 patents, including cancer, HIV, and other disease treatments and immunizations.
“The Purvis Memorial Award was established in 1947 to honour Arthur Blaikie Purvis, born in England in 1890, who became a leader in Canadian industry serving in an administrative capacity in World Wars I and II. In recognition of his services, he was appointed a member of His Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council. Among positions he held in his career in industry was that of President of Canadian Industries Limited (CIL),” said SCI Canada Awards Chair Graham Knowles.
This award is given for major contribution to development and implementation of strategies, which have resulted either in the strengthening of Canadian industry or academic or research institutions in the field of chemistry.
PURVIS MEMORIAL AWARD ACCEPTANCE SPEECH
Michel Klein
February 21, 2006
I am very honoured and privileged to receive the prestigious Arthur Blaikie Purvis Memorial Award and I am proud to join the list of the previous distinguished awardees. I would like to sincerely thank Graham Knowles and the Executive Committee of the Canadian Section of the Society of Chemical Industry for being given the 2006 award. I am also very grateful to Bernard West who kindly suggested my name for consideration.
I am particularly happy that this year award was given for a contribution to the development of novel vaccines. Indeed, vaccines have been one of the greatest successes of the history of medicine and are one of the greatest hopes of Medicine in the future. I would like to stress that the rapid development of new vaccines always benefit from a close collaboration between academia and industry. This is exemplified by the launch of the acellular whooping cough vaccine that was made possible by combining advances in basic sciences with the exceptional industrial expertise and know-how of the Pasteur Mérieux Connaught company.
The 20th century has been the golden age of vaccinology. Small pox has been eradicated and poliomyelitis is on the verge of being eliminated from the surface of the planet. But current vaccines have been relatively easy to make. In contrast, the 21st century will be a century of tremendous challenges. The generation of more complex combination vaccines against an increasing number of infectious diseases will raise major issues of multiple-component compatibility. A rapid response against emerging pathogens, threatening pandemics and bioweapons requires a new model of collaboration between national and international Health organizations and the vaccine industry.
I would like to focus on two specific challenges for the next decade. On one hand, there is an urgent need for preventative vaccines against poverty-related diseases such as HIV, malaria and tuberculosis that together kill more than 5 million people each year in developing countries. On the other hand, we hope that therapeutic vaccines to treat a wide variety of severe diseases such as cancer, chronic infections, allergy, autoimmune disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and atherosclerosis will demonstrate their efficacy. Success will depend on how efficiently progress made in several fields of biotechnology will be synergistically integrated to lead to the rational design of efficacious vaccines. The approach to vaccine development mirrors today that of the Society of Chemical Industry for drug development: Gene-to-screen, screen-to-lead antigen, lead antigen-to-vaccine, where science meets business. But one must bear in mind that the cost of vaccine development is ten times that of discovery research and that it takes on average ten years to produce a commercially viable vaccine. Success will also depend on private-public partnerships between governments, funding agencies, academia and industry. It will require both continuity in vaccine traditions and innovation. And I would like to conclude with a citation from Dr. Charles Mérieux: The present of the past is memory and the present of the future is imagination.
Vaccine Development Company Receives European Patent Allowance
September 26, 2005
Halifax, September 26, 2005 –ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc.(IVT), a privately held Halifax based life sciences vaccine development company, announced today that it has received a patent allowance from the European patent office for their patent application entitled ‘Vaccines with enhanced immune response and methods for their preparation’. The patent number provided to IVT was 01 983 349.0-2402. All of the claims filed for the patent were allowed following modification of claims 43,44 and 45. These claims were modified to conform to European patent presentation. Upon receiving the notification Dr. Warwick Kimmins, President and CEO stated “The issuance of the European patent complements the US patent protection for our VacciMax® vaccine platform technology and is good news for IVT's shareholders and our industry partners”. IVT is best known for its proprietary vaccine enhancement platform, VacciMax®. The Company has significantly advanced the technology since the company was founded in 2000 by Dr. Kimmins, a former Dalhousie University Dean of Science. IVT’s first product was SpayVac, a contraceptive vaccine effective in many animals. According to Dr. Kimmins, the logical next step for the development of the VacciMax® platform was in the area of infectious diseases and cancer. IVT is currently focused developing its VacciMax® platform, through licensing the technology to partner companies, both mid to large size, in the animal and human health sectors.
About IVT: ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. (IVT) is a life sciences company based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, focused on commercializing a proprietary vaccine platform, trade named VacciMax®. The VacciMax® platform results in a more rapid immune response with a higher level and longer duration of antibody levels following a single inoculation while providing multi-year protection without boosting. This patented technology is available under license to reformulate existing commercial vaccines and in support of newly developed vaccines for human and veterinary applications.
BIOTECanada Award
IVT receives national award from BIOTECanada
Halifax Life Sciences Company Wins National Award IVT honoured by BIOTECanada as a Promising Early Stage Company
Halifax, June 13, 2005 –ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc.(IVT), the Halifax-based life sciences vaccine-enhancement company, was honoured recently with a Promising Early Stage Company award from Canada’s National Biotechnology Association. Each year, BIOTECanada’s Recognition Awards pay tribute to individuals and companies who have demonstrated significant accomplishments, exemplary leadership and commitment to the biotech industry in Canada. With the Promising Early Stage Company award, IVT has been officially recognized at the national level as a company that is poised for success. “IVT is extremely grateful to BIOTECanada for this award,” said Dr. Warwick Kimmins, President and CEO of IVT. “And we are especially thankful for the support we have received from Dalhousie University and the Federal and Provincial governments,” Best known for its proprietary vaccine enhancement platform, VacciMax®, IVT has significantly advanced since the company was founded in 2000 by Dr. Kimmins, a former Dalhousie University Dean of Science. IVT’s first product was SpayVac®, a contraceptive vaccine effective in many animals. According to Dr. Kimmins, the logical next step for the development of the VacciMax® platform was in the area of infectious diseases and cancer. The announcement that IVT had won the award was made in Toronto in May but the presentation to the company was made at the annual general meeting of BioNova, the Life Sciences Industry Association in Nova Scotia, which was held in Halifax last week. “ImmunoVaccine Technologies is a worthy recipient of this award,” said Marli MacNeil, CEO of BioNova. “We in Nova Scotia have known for some time that it is one of our success stories and now, through BIOTECanada’s recognition, the rest of the country will know about it as well.” IVT is currently focused on the commercialization of its VacciMax® platform, through licensing its technology to partner companies, both mid to large size, in the animal and human health sectors.
About IVT: IVT is a vaccine enhancement company with a unique platform technology, VacciMax®, which can be applied to most human and veterinary vaccines. In addition to its current veterinary projects, other IVT programs include industry relationships to develop human vaccines against infectious disease and cancer. The VacciMax® vaccine enhancement technology was originally developed at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. More information … About BioNova: BioNova is Nova Scotia's Biotechnology and Life Sciences Industry Association. BioNova’s mission is to support its members as they develop their businesses, and to work with government and others to promote the creation of a business environment in which this development can occur.
For further information, media may contact:
Marli MacNeil
Chief Executive Officer
BioNova
(902) 229-4290 (cellular)
www.bionova.ns.ca
Related Link: http://www.bionova.ns.ca
