Botulism

The contract will provide an initial commitment of $19.6 million and up to $135.2 million over a six-year period, supporting drug manufacturing and phase 1 trials for the two programs GigaGen’s recombinant polyclonals are part of Grifols’ robust innovation strategy and commitment to delivering the next generation of antibody drugs for patients and healthcare professionals SAN CARLOS, Calif., Oct. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GigaGen Inc., a biotechnology company advancing transformative antibody drugs for immunodeficiencies, infectious diseases and checkpoint-resistant cancers, and a subsidiary of Grifols, announced today that it has been awarded a contract by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The award, valued at up to $135.2 million, is to develop a recombinant polyclonal antibody therapy for botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) and a second biothreat of interest to the agency that will be determined at a later time. “We are thrilled to have been awarded this BARDA contract and are proud to continue our collaboration with the U.S. government to advance innovative therapies against naturally emerging and intentional biological threats,” said Carter Keller, senior vice president of Grifols and head of GigaGen. “GigaGen aims to change the way infectious diseases are treated with the world’s only recombinant polyclonal antibody therapeutic platform. Building on our successful collaboration with the Department of Defense (DOD), this project demonstrates the versatility of our recombinant polyclonal antibody platform, which is ideally suited for rapid responses to imminent biological threats.” The BARDA project builds upon GigaGen’s contract awarded by the U.S. DOD Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) in 2022. The DOD project demonstrated the utility of GigaGen’s first-in-class recombinant human polyclonal antibody discovery platform against biological threats, focusing on two BoNT variants. Following success in this program that included in vivo neutralization of the two botulinum neurotoxins, the BARDA project will support the manufacturing and initial clinical development of a drug product that targets all seven BoNT variants. BoNT, one of the most toxic biological substances, is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and can cause progressive muscle paralysis from the head to the rest of the body, which can be fatal if left untreated. GigaGen recently received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Investigational New Drug (IND) application to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate the company’s first recombinant polyclonal antibody therapeutic for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, GIGA-2339. The company anticipates initiating the trial in Q4 2024. This project has been funded in whole or in part with federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, under contract number 75A50124C00049. About GigaGen’s platformGigaGen’s next-generation recombinant polyclonal platform offers a novel way to develop synthetic polyclonal antibody therapeutics in the laboratory, which are potentially more powerful than what a natural immune response can provide. Using high-throughput, single-cell genomic and protein engineering technology, GigaGen creates cell lines that express recombinant human antibodies against a diversity of infectious disease antigens. The polyclonal cell bank can then be used to continuously manufacture recombinant polyclonal products against the pathogen of interest at existing manufacturing facilities. GigaGen has demonstrated that its products are hundreds of times more potent than plasma-derived antibody therapies. They replicate and enhance the natural antibody diversity, encompassing thousands of antibodies. This offers a significant advantage over monoclonal antibody therapies, as they can address the vast diversity of circulating pathogen variants and help prevent immune escape upon pathogen mutation. About GrifolsGrifols is a global healthcare company founded in Barcelona in 1909 committed to improving the health and well-being of people around the world. A leader in essential plasma-derived medicines and transfusion medicine, the company develops, produces, and provides innovative healthcare services and solutions in more than 110 countries. Patient needs and Grifols’ ever-growing knowledge of many chronic, rare and prevalent conditions, at times life-threatening, drive the company’s innovation in both plasma and other biopharmaceuticals. The company is focused on treating conditions across a broad range of therapeutic areas: immunology, hepatology and intensive care, pulmonology, hematology, neurology, and infectious diseases. A pioneer in the plasma industry, Grifols continues to grow its network of donation centers, the world’s largest with over 390 across North America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and China. As a recognized leader in transfusion medicine, Grifols offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions designed to enhance safety from donation to transfusion, in addition to clinical diagnostic technologies. It provides high quality biological supplies for life-science research, clinical trials, and for manufacturing pharmaceutical and diagnostic products. The company also supplies tools, information and services that enable hospitals, pharmacies and healthcare professionals to efficiently deliver expert medical care. Grifols, with more than 24,000 employees in more than 30 countries and regions, is committed to a sustainable business model that sets the standard for continuous innovation, quality, safety, and ethical leadership. The company’s class A shares are listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange, where they are part of the Ibex-35 (MCE:GRF). Grifols non-voting class B shares are listed on the Mercado Continuo (MCE:GRF.P) and on the U.S. NASDAQ through ADRs (NASDAQ:GRFS). GigaGen is advancing transformative antibody drugs for immunodeficiencies, infectious diseases and checkpoint resistant cancers by leveraging industry-leading, single-cell technologies. Its novel technology platforms uniquely capture and recreate complete immune repertoires as functional antibody libraries. This approach has enabled the creation of first-in-class recombinant polyclonal antibody therapies for the treatment of infectious diseases. In addition, GigaGen’s lead oncology asset, GIGA-564, is an anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody that has demonstrated improved anti-tumor efficacy and reduced toxicities in preclinical models through a unique mechanism of action. For more information, please visit www.grifols.com or www.gigagen.com. Media Contacts:Michael RubensteinLifeSci Communicationsmrubenstein@lifescicomms.comTel: +1- 561-289-7981 Grifols Press Officemedia@grifols.comTel. +34 93 571 00 02 LEGAL DISCLAIMERThe facts and figures contained in this report that do not refer to historical data are “future projections and assumptions”. Words and expressions such as “believe”, “hope”, “anticipate”, “predict”, “expect”, “intend”, “should”, “will seek to achieve”, “it is estimated”, “future” and similar expressions, in so far as they relate to the Grifols group, are used to identify future projections and assumptions. These expressions reflect the assumptions, hypotheses, expectations and predictions of the management team at the time of writing this report, and these are subject to a number of factors that mean that the actual results may be materially different. The future results of the Grifols group could be affected by events relating to its own activities, such as a shortage of supplies of raw materials for the manufacture of its products, the appearance of competitor products on the market, or changes to the regulatory framework of the markets in which it operates, among others. At the date of compiling this report, the Grifols group has adopted the necessary measures to mitigate the potential impact of these events. Grifols, S.A. does not accept any obligation to publicly report, revise or update future projections or assumptions to adapt them to events or circumstances subsequent to the date of writing this report, except where expressly required by the applicable legislation. This document does not constitute an offer or invitation to buy or subscribe shares in accordance with the provisions of the following Spanish legislation: Royal Legislative Decree 4/2015, of 23 October, approving recast text of Securities Market Law; Royal Decree Law 5/2005, of 11 March and/or Royal Decree 1310/2005, of 4 November, and any regulations developing this legislation. In addition, this document does not constitute an offer of purchase, sale or exchange, or a request for an offer of purchase, sale or exchange of securities, or a request for any vote or approval in any other jurisdiction. The information included in this document has not been verified nor reviewed by the external auditors of the Grifols group.

VANCOUVER, Canada I August 22, 2024 I BioVaxys Technology Corp. (CSE: BIOV) (FRA: 5LB) (OTCQB: BVAXF ) (“BioVaxys” or the “Company”) highlights the potential of its novel lipid-in-oil delivery platform, DPX™, across multiple infectious disease studies and announces its plans for partnering and further development. BioVaxys’ DPX™ technology (“DPX”) is a patented delivery platform that can incorporate a range of bioactive molecules to produce targeted, long-lasting immune responses enabled by various formulated components. The DPX platform facilitates antigen delivery to regional lymph nodes and has been demonstrated to induce robust and durable T cell and B cell responses in pre-clinical and clinical studies for both cancer and infectious disease. Key findings demonstrated in completed infectious disease studies, which are discussed in more detail below include: BioVaxys President and Chief Operating Officer Kenneth Kovan says “With data so compelling and supportive of the value of DPX-based vaccines for infectious diseases, we are seeking various off-balance sheet avenues to support development.  The significant cargo capacity of DPX and the proven ability to package diverse antigens such as that shown with our DPX-SurMAGE multi-antigen cancer vaccine, could also greatly benefit potential partnerships for developing more effective viral vaccines, such as a multivalent mRNA DTP vaccine to address the recognized problem of immunity to the Bordetella pertussis waning over time, or for emerging global diseases such as MPox, where a DPX-mRNA formulation could have significant advantage. This fits well with our strategy of expanding development partnerships with DPX beyond oncology.” 100% of Subjects in a Phase 1 Study Treated with a DPX-based RSV Vaccine Developed Antibodies with Persistent Immune Response DPX™+RSV(A) “DPX-RSV” is BioVaxys’ vaccine candidate targeting the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) based on a DPX formulation of the SHe peptide of group A RSV.  Results of a Phase 1 study showed that more than nine months after the last vaccination, 15 of 16 participants (93%) who received DPX-RSV demonstrated antigen-specific immune responses. This study evaluated the safety and immune response profile of two doses of DPX-RSV in 40 healthy older adult volunteers (aged 50-64 years) and was well tolerated amongst all study participants, with no SAEs reported.  One of the two doses of DPX+RSV(A) was tested out to one year and 100% of older adults (7/7 immune responders) maintained antigen-specific immune responses one year after receiving a booster dose. After one year, their antibody levels measured were still at peak with no sign of decrease. RSV is a highly contagious virus that causes infections of the lungs and breathing passages in individuals of all age groups. RSV circulation is seasonal, typically starting during the fall and peaking in the winter. In older adults, RSV is a common cause of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD), which affects the lungs and can cause life-threatening pneumonia and bronchiolitis (swelling of the small airway passages in the lungs). According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year in the U.S., RSV leads to approximately 60,000-120,000 hospitalizations and 6,000-10,000 deaths among adults 65 years of age and older. Currently available RSV vaccines including GSK’s Arexvy, Moderna’s mResvia, and Pfizer’s Abrysvo target either the F or G proteins of the virus and provide protection by neutralizing the RSV virus. Clinical measures of efficacy focus on the amount of neutralizing antibodies in the bloodstream. DPX-RSV works differently; it targets the SH viral ectodomain of the RSV virus and, instead of neutralizing the virus, it enables the immune system to recognize and destroy infected cells. BioVaxys has exclusive worldwide licenses on applications that target the SH ectodomain antigen in RSV. The Company is exploring opportunities to out-license this product to potential partners. Animal challenge studies with DPX-Based Anthrax Vaccine Demonstrated 100% Immunity from Single Injection The promise and versatility of the DPX platform for infectious disease applications has been additionally supported by in vivo studies of a DPX formulation targeting anthrax, with a DPX Anthrax vaccine formulation exhibiting 100% immunity following a single injection. In a preclinical study led by the National Institutes of Health, a single intramuscular injection of recombinant B. anthracis -protective antigen (rPA) formulated in the Company’s DPX platform (“DPX-rPA”) was compared in animal models to rPA in alum, and to Biothrax® (anthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA)), a US Food and Drug Administration approved vaccine that requires five administrations over 12 months with annual boosting to maintain pre-exposure prophylaxis.  Serological analysis of anti-rPA immunoglobulin G and toxin neutralization activity demonstrated higher responses induced by DPX-rPA when compared to rPA in alum.  In rabbit and non-human primate (“NHP”) studies, the DPX-rPA formulation generated an immune response in as little as 14 days after a single immunization, whereas AVA required two immunizations. In the rabbit study, a single injection of DPX-rPA or two injections of AVA conferred 100% protection from a lethal anthrax challenge. Furthermore, in the NHP study, single-dose DPX-rPA was 100% protective against challenge, whereas one primate in the two-dose AVA group and all saline-administered animals succumbed to infection. Anthrax, caused by exposure to aerosolized spores of Bacillus anthracis , remains a very serious biological threat, and is categorized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a Category A biothreat agent, along with botulism, plague, smallpox, tularemia, and viral hemorrhagic fevers posing the greatest risk to national security.  At-risk populations for non-weaponized occupational exposure include those working with infected animals, contaminated animal products or environments such as farmers, veterinarians, livestock handlers, diagnostic laboratory workers, agriculture and wildlife workers, and workers who butcher animals or process meat, hides, hair and wool. The ideal anthrax vaccine would provide rapid protection with a single dose, generate a durable immune response, and have enhanced stability for stockpiling purposes. An anthrax vaccine formulated in DPX™ is expected to provide these characteristics. There are currently no approved anthrax vaccines that can provide single dose, rapid protection. Currently approved anthrax vaccines include Biothrax, which requires multiple doses over the span of a year, and more recently, Cyfendus, which is intended for people with suspected or confirmed inhalational exposure to anthrax and is given in two intramuscular doses over two weeks and must be given together with antibiotics. As the efficacy of Cyfendus for post-exposure prophylaxis is based solely on studies in animal models of inhalational anthrax, BioVaxys is exploring potential advancement of DPX-rPA with its current preclinical data with the US Dept of Defense, Battelle and other organizations. DPX-rHA for Influenza Achieves Higher Antibody Levels than Alum rHA Vaccine and Protects Against Multiple Flu Strains Most recently, in preclinical influenza studies in a murine model, a single dose of DPX formulated with recombinant hemagglutinin (rHA) was shown to exhibit higher and more durable levels of HA antibodies than Alum+rHA. Alum is the market-standard adjuvant that can increase the immunogenicity of recombinant hemagglutinin (rHA) in influenza vaccines. When combined with rHA, alum can generate anti-HA titers that are 10 times higher than without the alum adjuvant. Additional in vivo studies compared two different strains (Puerto Rico H1N1 and Hong Kong H3N2) of heat inactivated whole influenza virus packaged in DPX (DPX+FLU) compared to Alum + heat inactivated whole influenza virus (Alum+FLU).  One month post vaccination the mice were challenged with both live influenza strains, with the animals that received DPX+FLU having an almost 100% survival 10 days post challenge to both the Puerto Rico H1N1 and Hong Kong H3N2 strains, compared to ~70% survival for mice challenged with Puerto Rico H1N1and receiving Alum+FLU, and <20% survival for mice challenged with Hong Kong H3N2 strain and receiving Alum+FLU. BioVaxys is planning further preclinical studies to evaluate a quadrivalent (four flu strains) DPX formulation. BioVaxys Technology Corp . ( www.biovaxys.com ), registered in British Columbia, Canada, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving patient lives with novel immunotherapies based on its DPX™ immune-educating technology platform and its HapTenix© “neoantigen” tumor cell construct platform, for treating cancers, infectious disease, antigen desensitization, and other immunological diseases. Through a differentiated mechanism of action, the DPX™ platform delivers instruction to the immune system to generate a specific, robust, and persistent immune response. The Company’s clinical stage pipeline includes maveropepimut-S (MVP-S), based on the DPX™ platform, and is in Phase II clinical development for advanced Relapsed-Refractory Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) and platinum resistant Ovarian Cancer. MVP-S delivers antigenic peptides from survivin, a well-recognized cancer antigen commonly overexpressed in advanced cancers, and also delivers an innate immune activator and a universal CD4 T cell helper peptide. MVP-S has been well tolerated and has demonstrated defined clinical benefit in multiple cancer indications as well as the activation of a targeted and sustained, survivin-specific anti-tumor immune response. BioVaxys is also developing DPX™+SurMAGE, a dual-targeted immunotherapy combining antigenic peptides for both the survivin and MAGE-A9 cancer proteins to elicit immune responses to these two distinct cancer antigens simultaneously, DPX™-RSV for Respiratory Syncytial Virus, and BVX-0918, a personalized immunotherapeutic vaccine using it proprietary HapTenix© “neoantigen” tumor cell construct platform for refractive late-stage ovarian cancer. BioVaxys common shares are listed on the CSE under the stock symbol “BIOV” and trade on the Frankfurt Bourse (FRA: 5LB) and in the US (OTCQB: BVAXF ). For more information, visit www.biovaxys.com and connect with us on X and LinkedIn. SOURCE: BioVaxys Technology

FRIDAY, July 12, 2024 -- Seven patients with illness identified after presumed cosmetic botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) product injection are described in a case report published in the July 11 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report . Christine M. Thomas, D.O., from the CDC in Atlanta, and colleagues characterized illnesses identified after presumed cosmetic BoNT injections and examined implicated BoNT products. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene identified three patients and the Tennessee Department of Health identified four patients (one a Kentucky resident) with illnesses after presumed cosmetic BoNT injections. The researchers found that all patients were women, aged 26 to 55 years. Ptosis, dry mouth, dysphagia, shortness of breath, and weakness were reported signs and symptoms. Health care was sought by all patients; four were hospitalized and two underwent intensive care unit monitoring. Intubation was not required by any of the patients. Botulinum antitoxin was not required for any of the patients. All patients reported receipt of BoNT injections in nonmedical settings a median of three days prior to onset of symptoms. The three Tennessee residents and Kentucky resident received injections in a nonmedical residential setting; the BoNT product was counterfeit, and the person who administered the injections was not licensed. The three New York City residents received injections in separate nonmedical settings; administration was confirmed to be by an unlicensed person for one resident and suspected for two. "Health care providers should ask patients with symptoms of botulism about recent BoNT injections and, if botulism is suspected, immediately contact their local or state health departments," the authors write. Abstract/Full Text Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.