AnGes Collaborates with University of Saskatchewan’s VIDO-InterVac to Develop Ebola Polyclonal Antibody Therapy Using DNA Vaccine Technology

Apr 26, 2016

Originally posted by AnGesMG, Inc. Corporate Communications

AnGes MG, Inc. (“AnGes”) announced the plan to develop its Ebola polyclonal antibody therapy using DNA vaccine technology in collaboration with the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac) of the University of Saskatchewan (Canada). AnGes will undertake the research and evaluation of the therapeutic equine polyclonal antibodies together with VIDO-InterVac, a world leader in infectious disease research and vaccine development.

The therapeutic equine polyclonal antibodies developed by AnGes utilize a DNA vaccine that encodes the Ebola virus glycoprotein antigen. Antibodies from horses immunized with the DNA vaccine will be purified and manufactured as an antibody therapy to treat Ebola virus infection in humans. AnGes completed a pilot study in horses that confirmed the administration of the DNA vaccine leads to the production of equine serum with high antibody titers against the glycoprotein of the circulating Ebola viruses.

VIDO-InterVac has 40 years of experience in infectious disease research and vaccine development for humans and animals utilizing some of the most advanced high containment infrastructure in the world. The organization collaborates internationally with industry to help develop novel vaccines and immunotherapeutic agents against infectious diseases. “We have been looking for a facility outside Japan where we can evaluate the efficacy and quality of our equine polyclonal antibodies for the Ebola virus because there are no facilities in Japan capable of performing such evaluations. We believe that VIDO-InterVac is a perfect partner with a proven track record in infectious disease research and vaccine development,” said Ei Yamada, Ph.D., President and CEO of AnGes. “We originally began the project to develop an antibody therapy for emergency use in Japan. However, considering the interest we received from several overseas research institutes, I believe it is important to work with parties in other countries and examine the possibility of making this antibody therapy available worldwide.”

Equine Polyclonal Antibody Therapy for Ebola Virus Using DNA Vaccine Technology

The therapeutic equine polyclonal antibodies developed by AnGes utilize a DNA vaccine that encodes the Ebola virus glycoprotein antigen. Antibodies from horses immunized with the DNA vaccine will be isolated and purified, then developed to treat the Ebola virus in human beings. DNA vaccine technology enables AnGes to produce polyclonal antibodies quickly and safely, so there will be no need to handle the highly pathogenic virus. AnGes believes the therapeutic equine polyclonal antibodies will be a suitable treatment for the Ebola virus, for which emergency response measures are required. AnGes has signed an agreement with Vical Incorporated (San Diego, CA, President & CEO: Vijay B. Samant) regarding Vical’s DNA vaccine technology. This agreement gives AnGes the rights to exclusively develop and commercialize the equine polyclonal antibody therapy in Japan.

About VIDO-InterVac

Created in 1975, VIDO-InterVac is a research organization of the University of Saskatchewan with operating support from provincial and federal governments, industry and charitable foundations. VIDO-InterVac has developed eight commercial vaccines since its creation. With some of the world's most advanced containment level two and three facilities, including a 160-acre research station, VIDO-InterVac works to protect animal and human health against some of the world's most dangerous infectious diseases. For more information, see www.vido.org.

About AnGes

AnGes is a Japanese biopharmaceutical company that specializes in research, development and practical application of genetic medicines for diseases that are intractable or rare, and have no treatments available. The company's lead program is the gene therapy with hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) plasmid designed to improve blood circulation by regenerating blood vessels, currently in Phase 3 clinical testing for the treatment of critical limb ischemia. Additional information on AnGes is available at www.anges-mg.com/en.