Medicago successfully completed an attempt to quickly produce H1N1 VLP influenza vaccine candidates, churning out at least 10 million doses in one month.
The speedy production test, conducted under an agreement with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, proved a win for Medicago and vaccine candidate immunogenicity was verified by a third party, according to a release.
The test comes under a Technology Investment Agreement with DARPA. Medicago has received $19.8 million in four milestone payments and expects to land the fifth--a payment of $1 million--soon. Production began March 25 and wrapped up April 24, spanning 30 days.
"The completion of the rapid fire test marks a substantial achievement in demonstrating our technology and the potential for Medicago to be the first responder in the event of a pandemic flu outbreak," said Andy Sheldon, Medicago CEO. "We look forward to continuing to move our company closer to commercial capability in the near future."
Recognition of the need for preparedness grew in 2009, when a major H1N1 outbreak, or "swine flu" pandemic, occurred.
- see the release
Related Articles:
Medicago unveils new NC manufacturing plant
Medicago facility cranks up for VLP vax production
Medicago: PhII avian flu vax trial successful