Vical Gets $2.6 Million Grant From National Institutes of Health for Avian Flu Vaccine
SAN DIEGO -- Biopharmaceutical firm Vical Inc. said Wednesday it qualifies for accelerated access to $2.6 million in funding to further develop an avian flu vaccine.
Based on preclinical data from the company's flu DNA vaccine program, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, has given the company accelerated access to the funds under a grant awarded in September.
Vical, which develops biopharmaceutical products based on its patented DNA delivery technology, will use the funds to complete preclinical development of the vaccine, including safety, toxicology and biodistribution testing of the formulated vaccine in laboratory animals and manufacturing of human clinical-trial supplies.
The company plans to file an Investigational New Drug Application with the Food and Drug Administration and is seeking additional funding to support early-stage human testing.
"One significant strength of our DNA technology is the speed with which we can develop a vaccine product concept, establish preclinical efficacy, and then advance to IND filing," said David C. Kaslow, chief scientific officer.
Vical and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tenn., are collaborating on the program, whose goal is to design a vaccine that can be developed and manufactured quickly and safely and stockpiled longer than conventional vaccines.
Vical shares added 25 cents, or 3.8 percent, to $6.89 on the Nasdaq.
SAN DIEGO -- Biopharmaceutical firm Vical Inc. said Wednesday it qualifies for accelerated access to $2.6 million in funding to further develop an avian flu vaccine.
Based on preclinical data from the company's flu DNA vaccine program, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, has given the company accelerated access to the funds under a grant awarded in September.
Vical, which develops biopharmaceutical products based on its patented DNA delivery technology, will use the funds to complete preclinical development of the vaccine, including safety, toxicology and biodistribution testing of the formulated vaccine in laboratory animals and manufacturing of human clinical-trial supplies.
The company plans to file an Investigational New Drug Application with the Food and Drug Administration and is seeking additional funding to support early-stage human testing.
"One significant strength of our DNA technology is the speed with which we can develop a vaccine product concept, establish preclinical efficacy, and then advance to IND filing," said David C. Kaslow, chief scientific officer.
Vical and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tenn., are collaborating on the program, whose goal is to design a vaccine that can be developed and manufactured quickly and safely and stockpiled longer than conventional vaccines.
Vical shares added 25 cents, or 3.8 percent, to $6.89 on the Nasdaq.
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