Vical's DNA vaccine with Vaxfectin shows strong protection against flu, study says

By Elaine Rigoli

Tampa, Fla., March 31 - Vical, Inc. announced Friday that an influenza DNA vaccine formulated with the company's patented Vaxfectin adjuvant protected mice against lethal challenges with two different strains of human influenza virus.

The study was part of the company's program to develop a DNA vaccine that could ultimately protect humans against emerging strains of avian flu that could cause a pandemic, according to a news release.

The DNA vaccines tested in mice targeted highly conserved influenza proteins - nucleoprotein and matrix protein - and were systematically tested with Vaxfectin and other formulations, the company said.

Vaxfectin-formulated vaccines demonstrated statistically superior protection in mice, particularly at low doses, against lethal challenges with H1N1 or H3N2 strains of human influenza., according to the release.

Vical said the program has advanced to lethal challenge testing in mice and ferrets with the H5N1 strain of avian influenza in biosafety level-3 facilities at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Results from testing of Vaxfectin-formulated vaccines targeting nucleoprotein, matrix protein and H5N1 are expected to be available in the second half of 2006.

Funding for the study was provided by a previously announced grant from the National Institutes of Health.

San Diego-based Vical researches and develops biopharmaceutical products based on its patented DNA delivery technologies for the prevention and treatment of serious or life-threatening diseases.

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