GenVec's technology is used for the production of recombinant adenovirus vaccine vectors.
GenVec has been collaborating with the Naval Medical Research Center for the past four years to develop adenovector-based malaria vaccine candidates. The vaccine now undergoing clinical testing consists of two adenovectors, each encoding a different antigen from the protozoal parasite plasmodium falciparum. The vaccine is designed to stimulate T-cell and antibody immune responses and attack both the liver and blood stages of this complex parasite. This approach of eliciting a broad-spectrum immune response and attacking multiple stages of the malaria parasite's life cycle has shown promise in preclinical studies.
The first phase of the study will evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of two vaccine doses. After safety evaluation and confirmation of the optimal dose, the second phase of the study will evaluate the protective effects of the vaccine following exposure to malaria. GenVec said that initial results of the study would be available later in the year.