Nuron Biotech Expands Portfolio With Exclusive, Worldwide License for an Amyloid Beta 42 DNA Vaccine Candidate for Alzheimer's Disease
EXTON, Pa., Apr 09, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Nuron Biotech, Inc. today announced it has licensed from VITRUVIAN BioMedical, Inc. a gene-based (DNA) amyloid beta 42 (AB42) vaccine in preclinical development for Alzheimer's disease (AD) [1]. Nuron has an exclusive, worldwide license for the vaccine and is responsible for development and commercialization. Unlike a traditional vaccine for AD, the DNA vaccine does not contain amyloid beta itself but instead contains a piece of the gene coding for the amyloid beta protein. Once in the body, the vaccine stimulates an immune response in which antibodies that bind to and significantly reduce amyloid beta are produced. Financial terms were not disclosed.
"This unique, promising vaccine candidate brings more opportunity to our pipeline and is one of the most promising new advances to improve the lives of Alzheimer's patients worldwide," said Shankar Musunuri, Ph.D., MBA, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Nuron Biotech. "Alzheimer's is a devastating neurodegenerative disease for which there is only a limited set of therapy options, so this novel approach to treatment is truly exciting."
"We are very pleased to be working with Nuron in developing this important vaccine," commented Arthur Bollon, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and Founder of VITRUVIAN BioMedical. "Research has shown that this adjuvant-free DNA vaccine is far superior to a peptide-based vaccine as it significantly reduces the levels of AB42, by about 50 percent in preclinical models [2], and importantly, it does not generate an inflammatory immune response in the brain [3]." The vaccine candidate was created at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
In the United States alone, Alzheimer's disease currently affects 5.4 million people and their families. It is the most common form of dementia and the fifth leading cause of death for individuals 65 years and older. The Alzheimer's Association estimates that the disease results in $200 billion dollars of healthcare costs in the United States each year [4].
About VITRUVIAN BioMedical
VITRUVIAN BioMedical, Inc. is a biotechnology company engaged in the development and commercialization of diagnostics and therapeutics for individualized and balanced healthcare. VbM's mission is to provide "advanced personalized medicine" to medical professionals and patients nationwide and globally. Our niche is in the development and commercialization of breakthrough diagnostic tests and therapeutics for significant medical illnesses. The Company currently is focused on the following areas: central nervous system, oncology and metabolic diseases.
About Nuron Biotech
Nuron Biotech is developing novel biologics and vaccines for the prevention and treatment of chronic neurodegenerative and infectious diseases. Our team of industry veterans is advancing products to meet unmet medical needs in the areas of multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, hepatitis B and hepatitis C for patients across the globe. Our lead drug candidate, NU100 (interferon beta-1b), is a new chemical entity currently in Phase 3 for patients with multiple sclerosis. www.nuronbiotech.com .
References
[1] U.S. Patent 7,479,550 B2 [2] J. Neurol. Sci. 260 (2007): 204-213. [3] Vaccine 28 (2010): 5280-5287. [4] "2012 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures" Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_facts_and_figures.asp
SOURCE: Nuron Biotech Inc.
For Nuron Biotech:
Richard Dinovitz, 610-968-6704
Vice President, Marketing and Business Development
or
Media:
MacDougall Biomedical Communications
Charles Liles, 781-235-3060
[email protected]
or
For VITRUVIAN BioMedical:
Arthur Bollon, Ph.D., 469-585-7613
Chairman, President & CEO
[email protected]