BiondVax Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (TASE:BNDX) and MonoSol Rx Inc. will jointly conduct studies to investigate the activity of BiondVax’s universal influenza vaccine, M-001, when formulated utilizing MonoSol Rx’s PharmaFilm technology. M-001 in this form would be administered orally and should be stable at room temperature.
The multiple advantages of an oral universal influenza vaccine include ease of delivery and increased compliance, due to the absence of needles, as well as ease of distribution. Since the film is small and likely stable at room temperature it could even be mailed in the post. These benefits could prove critical in the unfortunate event of an influenza pandemic, when rapid public access worldwide to influenza vaccines is demanded.
BiondVax chief science officer Dr. Tamar Ben-Yedidia said, “The universality and immunogenicity of our universal influenza vaccine, M-001, has been demonstrated in animal models and in the clinic. Now that we are taking M-001 through the advanced stages of clinical development, it is the right time to explore the option of delivery by mouth, as this route is easier for most people”.
BiondVax CEO Dr. Ron Babecoff, BiondVax’s CEO said, “We are happy BiondVax is receiving worldwide recognition, which will enable us to move into the next phase of our business development, namely securing agreements with international pharmaceutical and biotech companies."
In a separate development, BiondVax has been recognized as a good manufacturing process (GMP) company by the qualified person at the EU. GMP approval is required for the production of pharmaceutical products for use in human clinical trials in Europe. GMP approval will allow the company to carry out clinical trials for its universal influenza vaccine.
BiondVax's share price rose 15% by mid-afternoon to NIS 1.18, giving a market cap of NIS 50 million.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on October 18, 2012
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