BioSante gets orphan drug designation; Entest recruiting dogs for cancer vax study;

Vaccine Research

BioSante Pharmaceuticals has received orphan drug designation for its melanoma cancer vaccine in the treatment of stage IIb to IV melanoma from the FDA's Office of Orphan Products Development. BioSante release

Entest BioMedical Chairman & CEO David Koos has provided an update on the company's activities. "We are currently recruiting dogs with cancer to participate in our ImenVax 10 Dog Safety Study. ImenVax is an immuno-therapeutic cancer vaccine being developed for dogs. Everyone involved with this research is anticipating strong results in the treatment of oral melanoma. I have two basset hounds that are a major part of my life, which makes me dedicated to finding therapies and treatments that lead to a better quality of life for all our pets. ImenVax is the first step in my commitment and Entest's commitment to a greater standard of living for our pets." Entest release

EpiVax, a Providence, RI-based developer of therapeutics for cancer and autoimmune diseases, has attracted a $458,000 grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, a division of the National Institutes of Health. The grant will be used by the company to develop a universal influenza vaccine. Item

The MSD Wellcome Trust Hilleman Laboratories has announced  that the organization's first project will be a feasibility study into how new technologies might be used to develop a rotavirus vaccine designed specifically with developing country needs in mind. Formulations based on dissolving thin strips or granules will be examined for their potential to improve product stability, ease of use, transportation and affordability. Item

Vaccine Market

The Virginia House of Delegates approved a bill Friday that would eliminate the state's 2007 requirement that girls receive the vaccine against the human papillomavirus before enrolling in the sixth grade. Item

A vaccine fridge produced by a Gwynedd company will be used to prevent disease in remote areas of hot countries where there's no reliable power supply. Article