BioSante says needle-free delivery of anthrax vaccine effective

By Elaine Rigoli

Tampa, Fla., March 22 - BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Inc. released new study results that highlight the potential for alternative needle-free modes for the administration of second-generation anthrax vaccines.

BioSante has ongoing research and development of a needle-free anthrax (rPA) vaccine using BioVant, the company's patented calcium phosphate nanoparticulate technology, according to a company news release.

New data shows that the BioVant/anthrax vaccine candidate can be delivered transcutaneously using select needle-free devices, and that antibody responses were the same as those of needle injections, the release said.

Needle-free devices have been earmarked for rapid mass immunizations, for example, of military personnel whose tour of duty takes them to bioterror risk areas.

Its ability to be stored as a dry powder, possibly extending storage periods, may make it a more attractive product to governments seeking to maximize the value of strategic anthrax vaccine stockpiles, the release said.

Previously announced studies confirm that rPA-specific immunogenicity results with BioVant in mice also held true in rabbits. Following intranasal administration of the BioVant non-injection anthrax vaccine candidate in both animal models, high levels of anthrax-specific systemic antibodies occurred with good duration of immunity.

Adding BioVant intranasally may allow for the use of less anthrax antigen per vaccine dose, an important consideration for vaccines in short supply.

BioSante is developing the anthrax vaccine for the Department of Defense under a subcontract with DynPort Vaccine Co.

Lincolnshire, Ill.-based BioSante develops calcium phosphate nanotechnology for novel vaccines, including biodefense vaccines for toxins such as anthrax and ricin, and drug-delivery systems.

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