SIGA Secures Exclusive License with Vanderbilt for Poxvirus Antibodies

NEW YORK, NY, USA I October 22, 2024 I SIGA Technologies, Inc. (SIGA) (NASDAQ: SIGA), a pharmaceutical company specializing in infectious diseases, has announced an agreement with Vanderbilt University to acquire a license for a collection of preclinical fully human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). These antibodies have the potential to be used as treatments for a range of orthopoxviruses, including smallpox and mpox. SIGA has chosen to license the exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize these mAbs on a global scale.

Diem Nguyen, SIGA's Chief Executive Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion of the company's pipeline with Vanderbilt’s human monoclonal antibodies. These antibodies are seen as complementary to SIGA's TPOXX® franchise and have the potential to address a broad spectrum of orthopoxviruses for both therapeutic and preventive purposes. Nguyen highlighted SIGA's capabilities in clinical development and its established partnerships with U.S. government agencies, which position the company to effectively advance these potential new therapies.

The development of these mAbs was led by James Crowe, Jr., M.D., a professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. In preclinical models, these antibodies have shown promise and could be utilized as standalone treatments or in combination with TPOXX®. The U.S. Department of Defense is currently funding the development of these mAbs through Phase 1 clinical trials via a contract with a biologics-expertise manufacturing organization.

Dr. Crowe expressed excitement about collaborating with SIGA to further the development of these innovative antibodies, especially given the recurring outbreaks of poxviruses.

Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

SIGA Technologies, Inc. is a pharmaceutical company at the commercial stage, dedicated to developing innovative treatments for infectious diseases. The company has a strong focus on orthopoxviruses and aims to protect against severe infectious diseases that can emerge naturally, accidentally, or intentionally. SIGA collaborates with governments and public health agencies to provide countermeasures against global health threats. Their flagship product, TPOXX® (tecovirimat), is an antiviral medication approved in the U.S. and Canada for treating smallpox and authorized in Europe and the UK for treating smallpox, mpox (monkeypox), cowpox, and complications from vaccinia.