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VGX Pharmaceuticals Announces Issuance of a Key U.S. Patent Covering New Electroporation Technology for Delivery of Macromolecules to Cells
Friday, July 20, 2007
Blue Bell, PA -- VGX Pharmaceuticals today announced that it has been granted U.S. Patent number 7,245,963 titled "Electrode Assembly for Constant-Current Electroporation and Use." The patent covers a new device for the delivery of macromolecules, including DNA plasmids, to tissues.
The VGX technology is based on delivering macromolecules via the application of constant-current electroporation pulses. A key feature of the technology is that changes in tissue resistance during the electroporation procedure are monitored real-time and the pulse-generator adapts in real-time to ensure constant-current pulses are delivered to the tissue of interest. Thus, cell-death due to overheating of cells is minimized by limiting the power dissipation in the tissue in response to changes in the tissue micro-environment.
"We are excited by the issuance of this patent covering a key delivery technology," stated Dr. J. Joseph Kim, President and CEO of VGX. "VGX has implemented the technology in its CELLECTRATM adaptive constant-current electroporation device for the delivery of DNA plasmid-based vaccines and therapies. The device has been tested extensively in research studies in a large number of different animal models including mice, rabbits, dogs, pigs and non-human primates establishing a broad safety, tolerability and efficacy profile."
The underlying patented electroporation technology was initially developed by ADViSYS, Inc., which is now an important part of VGX since its acquisition in February 2007. VGX has established a dynamic vertically-integrated product development platform encompassing novel DNA vaccine constructs, proprietary electroporation technology for DNA delivery, and an efficient process for the cGMP manufacturing of DNA plasmids. VGX is currently developing a portfolio of DNA based vaccines covering HIV, HPV and influenza as well as DNA therapies for cancer and HIV related cachexia based on growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH). These potential products are anticipated to be developed for human applications in combination with the CELLECTRATM electroporation device. VGX plans to initiate the formal IND-enabling toxicology studies for its HPV, influenza, and GHRH product candidates in Q3 2007.
About VGX Pharmaceuticals
VGX Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company with small molecules and biologics product candidates for the treatment of infectious diseases, cancer and inflammatory diseases. The Company's clinical development programs include PICTOVIR™ for HIV infection and VGX-410C for chronic HCV infection, both of which are currently in Phase II clinical trials. In addition, VGX is planning to initiate Phase I clinical studies for VGX-1027, its lead compound for inflammatory diseases. VGX's research pipelines include new generation of DNA vaccines and therapeutics as well as CELLECTRA™, a proprietary DNA delivery device. The product candidates and technology programs are protected by the Company's extensive global intellectual property portfolio. More information about VGX can be found at www.vgxp.com.
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