Download MediGene and The Johns Hopkins University Sign Development

Press Release
MediGene and The Johns Hopkins University
Sign Development Collaboration for First Vaccine Candidates
from MediGene’s AAVLP Platform
Examination of product candidates for the prevention of HPV-associated diseases
Martinsried/Munich, May 31, 2011. The biotech company MediGene AG (Frankfurt, Prime
Standard) and The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA, have agreed to collaborate in the
field of AAVLP vaccine technology. The objective of this collaboration is to test vaccine
candidates derived from the AAVLP program for the prevention of HPV-associated cancer
types, and in so doing to further advance the development of the AAVLP program. The vaccine
candidates examined within the framework of this collaboration target at a number of
carcinogenic human papillomaviruses (HPV) causing, for example, cervical cancer. The lead
investigator will be Richard B. S. Roden, Ph.D., professor of Gynecology/Obstetrics and
Oncology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, one of the world’s leading scientists
in the field of HPV research.
Dr. Frank Mathias, CEO of MediGene AG, commented: “The cooperation with this
internationally renowned and outstanding research institution is the first significant step in the
advancement of our innovative AAVLP vaccine program. The acknowledged expertise of
Dr Roden and his team will be invaluable in the testing of the first AAVLP vaccine candidates in
an indication of high medical need.”
AAVLP: In its AAVLP program, which is currently at the pre-clinical stage, MediGene is
investigating the use of adeno-associated viruses (AAV) as a vaccine. The adeno-associated
virus is non-pathogenic, i.e. it does not cause disease. The virus protein shell, the capsid, is
suited for the production of so-called virus-like particles (VLP), which can be used as a basis for
novel vaccines.
By inserting short antigenic peptides (B-cell epitopes) into the AAV capsid, a highly specific
antibody reaction against selected target molecules can be induced in the body. These
antibodies can protect the body (i.e. have a prophylactic effect) or act as a therapy against
existing diseases.
MediGene is currently conducting research into the application of AAVLP technology for the
treatment of cancer and viral infections, and is examining the possibility of using AAV libraries
for the systematic identification of suitable vaccine candidates. The key benefit of this
technology may be the possibility of transferring the efficacy of existing therapeutic antibodies
directly into a vaccine.
In preclinical studies, AAVLP-based vaccines have shown an excellent safety profile. Therefore
they may not only constitute an interesting alternative to conventional vaccines, but also
significantly widen the range of applications for vaccines against cancer and other diseases.
MediGene holds an extensive IP portfolio regarding the AAVLP technology.
HPV: The term “human papillomaviruses” describes a family of viruses that is capable of
infecting the epithelium of the skin or different mucous membranes, causing tumor-like growth.
The viruses are typically transmitted through sexual contact. Depending on the HPV type, the
consequences of an infection vary in their severity. Some particularly aggressive types of HPV
are capable of causing malignant changes, e.g. cervical cancer in women.
Cervical cancer: Cervical carcinoma is the second most common cancer in women, in most
cases caused by “high risk” types HPV 16, 18, 31, and 45. Despite extensive screening
programs, the worldwide incidence is more than 450,000 new cases annually, with 350,000
deaths annually. About 1-4% of the female population show high-grade cervical dysplasia.
This press release contains forward-looking statements representing the opinion of MediGene
as of the date of this release. The actual results achieved by MediGene may differ significantly
from the forward-looking statements made herein. MediGene is not bound to update any of
these forward-looking statements. MediGene® is a registered trademarks of MediGene AG.
These trademarks may be owned or licensed in select locations only.
- ends MediGene AG is a publicly listed (Frankfurt: MDG, prime standard) biotechnology company
headquartered in Martinsried/Munich, Germany. MediGene is the first German biotech company
to have revenues from marketed products. It has various drug candidates in clinical
development and possesses innovative platform technologies. MediGene focuses on clinical
research and development of novel drugs against cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Contact MediGene AG
Julia Hofmann, Kerstin Langlotz
Investor & Public Relations
Tel.: +49 - 89 - 85 65 - 33 01
Fax: +49 - 89 - 85 65 - 29 20
Email: [email protected]