Promising Data Presented on GenVec RSV Program
Durable and Broad Protective Immune Responses Generated in Animal Models
GAITHERSBURG, Md., Oct. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- GenVec, Inc. (GNVC)
announced today that data were presented on GenVec's respiratory syncytial virus
(RSV) vaccine program at the "8th Annual International Respiratory Syncytial
Virus Symposium," which took place in Santa Fe, New Mexico from September 27-30,
2012.
Data presented at the conference demonstrated GenVec's universal RSV vaccine
candidate is highly immunogenic and produces durable and broad protection from a
single intramuscular administration. Protection in cotton rat and mouse models
was characterized by functional RSV neutralizing antibodies and no disease
potentiation was observed. GenVec's RSV vaccine candidate utilizes a proprietary
adenovirus that is capable of generating a broad immune response while avoiding
the problems of vector specific immunity that has hampered other vectored
vaccines.
"Preclinical studies in accepted animal models show that our vaccine candidate
has the desired efficacy and safety attributes required for a successful RSV
vaccine," stated Jason Gall, PhD, Senior Director of Research at GenVec and the
company's lead RSV scientist. "GenVec has received valuable input from the FDA on
the clinical plan for the vaccine and will continue to explore opportunities to
move the program forward with a partner."
About Respiratory Syncytial Virus
RSV is the single most important viral cause of lower respiratory infections in
infants and young children and there is no approved vaccine. According to the
World Health Organization, nearly all U.S. children have been infected with RSV
by two years of age. Although RSV infection usually produces cold-like symptoms,
the infection can result in severe lower respiratory tract infection, which
causes up to 130,000 pediatric hospitalizations per year in the U.S. RSV also
causes repeated infections throughout life, placing the elderly and individuals
with compromised cardiac, pulmonary, or immune systems at risk for severe
disease. Among the institutionalized elderly, it is estimated there are about
15,000 deaths annually from RSV.
About GenVec
GenVec is a biopharmaceutical company using differentiated, proprietary
technologies to create superior therapeutics and vaccines. A key component of our
strategy is to develop and commercialize our product candidates through
collaborations. GenVec is working with leading companies and organizations such
as Novartis, Merial, and the U.S. Government to support a portfolio of product
programs that address the prevention and treatment of a number of significant
human and animal health concerns. GenVec's development programs address
therapeutic areas such as hearing loss and balance disorders; as well as vaccines
against infectious diseases including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), herpes
simplex virus (HSV), dengue fever, malaria, and human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV). In the area of animal health we are developing vaccines against
foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Additional information about GenVec is available at
genvec.com and in the Company's various filings with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
Statements herein relating to future financial or business performance,
conditions or strategies and other financial and business matters, including
expectations regarding funding, grants, collaborations, revenues, cash burn
rates, the development of products and the success of the Company's
collaborations, including with Novartis and Merial, are forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act.
GenVec cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous
assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Factors that may
cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the
forward-looking statements or historical experience include risks and
uncertainties, including the failure by GenVec to secure and maintain
relationships with collaborators; risks relating to the early stage of GenVec's
product candidates under development; uncertainties relating to research and
development activities; risks relating to the commercialization, if any, of
GenVec's proposed product candidates; dependence on the efforts of collaborators
and third parties; dependence on intellectual property; currently unanticipated
expenses, and risks that we may lack the financial resources and access to
capital to fund our operations. Further information on the factors and risks that
could affect GenVec's business, financial conditions and results of operations,
are contained in GenVec's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC), which are available at sec.gov. These
forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and
GenVec assumes no duty to update forward-looking statements.
Retail Investor and Media Contact: Institutional Investor Contact:
GenVec, Inc.S.A. Noonan Communications
Douglas J. SwirskySusan A. Noonan
(240) 632-5510(212) 966-3650
dswirsky@genvec.comsusan@sanoonan.com |
