Ok, here's some more interesting news...
Monday June 29, 9:34 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
SOURCE: Ribi ImmunoChem Research, Inc.
Ribi Acquires Platform Adjuvant Technology From
University of Nebraska
HAMILTON, Mont., June 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Ribi ImmunoChem Research, Inc. (Nasdaq: RIBI -
news) announced today that it has acquired exclusive, worldwide rights to develop novel adjuvant
technology which has broad potential application in immunotherapy of cancer and chronic infectious
diseases. This ''molecular adjuvant'' technology invented by Sam D. Sanderson, PhD, and colleagues
at the Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer, University of Nebraska Medical Center, includes a
class of synthetic peptide molecules which are distinguished by their ability to both target and
stimulate specific immune system cells which are crucial in eliciting effective responses against certain
diseases. For example, by linking viral or tumor associated antigens (components or subunits) of the
target disease agent to a molecular adjuvant that binds to complement receptors, it is possible to
deliver the antigen directly to dendritic cells and other antigen-presenting cells which are instrumental
in eliciting therapeutic responses.
Robert E. Ivy, CEO, President and Chairman of Ribi ImmunoChem Research, Inc. commented,
''Ribi is very excited to add the molecular adjuvant platform technology to our family of adjuvants.
We believe that Dr. Sanderson's work will lead to products which utilize a unique and potent
approach to treating numerous intractable diseases. Ribi plans to expand its product pipeline with this
technology through collaborations with partners whose antigens can be linked to our molecular
adjuvants and in Ribi's own programs to develop therapies for specific diseases. Acquiring the
molecular adjuvant technology is consistent with Ribi's plan to aggressively position itself to
participate in a worldwide vaccine market which is projected to grow to $14 billion by the year
2010.''
In preclinical experiments, researchers generated antigen-specific cell- mediated responses using the
molecular adjuvant ''C5a agonist peptide'' linked to a hepatitis B antigen. Cell-mediated responses
are particularly important in the treatment of cancer and chronic infectious diseases. Initial potential
applications of the molecular adjuvant technology include treatment of chronic hepatitis B, with an
estimated 350 million carriers worldwide, and a vaccine against chlamydia trachomatis, a prevalent
sexually transmitted infection which can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and blindness.
Adding the molecular adjuvant technology to Ribi's product pipeline strengthens the Company's
position as a leader in the adjuvant field. An adjuvant is an immunomodulator which, when used with
a targeted disease antigen, enhances the immune response against the targeted disease, i.e., cancer or
infectious diseases. Ribi's MPL immunostimulant is currently in clinical trials in a number of infectious
disease vaccines being developed by collaborators. These include vaccines against genital herpes,
hepatitis B, respiratory syncytial virus and malaria. Results of a Phase 3 trial of SmithKline Beecham's
prophylactic genital herpes vaccine are expected in the second half of 1998. Ribi's Detox adjuvant is
an important component for Melacine melanoma theraccine, a therapeutic vaccine for malignant
melanoma. Applications for marketing approval of Melacine have been submitted in Canada and the
European Union. Ribi plans to file a Biologics License Application for Melacine with the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration in the second half of 1998. Detox is also a component of Theratope vaccine
for breast cancer being developed by Biomira Inc. [Nasdaq:BIOMF - news], Edmonton, Alberta. A
Phase 3 trial of Theratope vaccine in breast cancer is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of
1998.
Ribi ImmunoChem Research, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company founded in 1981, is engaged in the
development of immunomodulators for use in preventing and treating human disease.
Forward Looking Information Statements in this news release are based on current expectations.
Actual results may differ materially based upon various risk factors. Additional information regarding
risk factors is contained in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended 1997, as filed with the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Ribi ImmunoChem Research Inc. press releases are available through Company News On-Call by
fax, 800-758-5804, ext. 752250, or at prnewswire.com.
SOURCE: Ribi ImmunoChem Research, Inc. |
