The DNA technology is being designed to vaccinate against lethal viral outbreaks including avian influenza.
The acquisition of this intellectual property enhances the position of Hemispherx Biopharma in the vaccine field. Supporting and encouraging the development of DNA based vaccines has become a major initiative of the US Department of Health and Human Services’ biodefense programs.
The use of DOGS technology increases the effectiveness of DNA technology by more than 100-fold, potentially slashing the amount of DNA required to induce an immune response.
The company plans to combine the DOGS with its drug Ampligen, to create a new vaccine technology platform with wide application for human and veterinary indications, as well as use in biodefense.
Ampligen, an experimental immune therapeutic, is being developed to improve cell based human vaccines including avian influenza vaccines.