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news.VGX Pharmaceuticals has signed a license agreement with the University of Pennsylvania covering novel DNA vaccines and therapeutics.
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Under the terms of the agreement, US-based biopharmaceutical company VGX will have exclusive worldwide rights to develop a number of DNA plasmids and constructs with potential for the treatment and/or prevention of HIV, HCV, HPV and influenza.
This new agreement broadens the existing relationship between the two organizations, VGX said. VGX was founded as a start-up in 2000 based on technology licensed from the University of Pennsylvania, and currently sponsors clinical research and basic research projects at the University.
Dr Joseph Kim, president and CEO of VGX, said: “The new DNA vaccines, especially those targeting HIV and HCV, will strengthen and complement our infectious diseases programs, with PICTOVIR and VGX-410C programs currently in phase II clinical trials in the US.”
DNA-based vaccines and therapeutics deliver the immunogen or the therapeutic protein in the form of plasmid DNA encoding the protein of interest. The body then produces the protein of interest and elicits an immune response. DNA vaccines are easier to manufacture than present technology and can be stored at room temperature.