Bavarian Nordic's subsidiary, BN ImmunoTherapeutics has initiated Phase
I/II clinical studies with its therapeutic vaccine candidate against prostate
cancer.
A Phase I/II safety and tolerability study in 18 male patients with
non-metastatic as well as hormone-insensitive prostate cancer has begun
enrolment in the US. Secondary objectives of the trial include examining the
ability of the vaccine to induce prostate antigen-specific immune responses,
as well as clinical anti-tumour activity. Preliminary data is expected during
second half year 2009.
The therapeutic vaccine, based on the Company's MVA-BN(R) technology, is
designed to generate cellular and humoral immune responses to PSA and PAP
(prostate specific antigen and prostatic acid phosphatase), which are both
well-known prostate cancer tumour targets.
Prostate cancer is, along with breast cancer, in the top three cancer
market, each with more than 500,000 new diagnosed incidents globally per year
and only limited treatment options.
Anders Hedegaard, President & CEO of Bavarian Nordic, commented:
"The initiation of clinical studies with our therapeutic prostate cancer
vaccine advances our cancer portfolio and with both breast and prostate
cancer vaccines in clinical development, we have now strengthened the cancer
business area, which is an essential part of our strategy going forward."
About Bavarian Nordic
Bavarian Nordic A/S is a leading industrial biotechnology company
developing and producing novel vaccines for the treatment and prevention of
life-threatening diseases with a large unmet medical need. The company's
business strategy is focused in three areas: biodefence, cancer and
infectious diseases. Bavarian Nordic's proprietary and patented technology
MVA-BN(R) is one of the world's safest, multivalent vaccine vectors. Bavarian
Nordic has ongoing contracts with the US government for the late-stage
development and procurement of the company's third-generation smallpox
vaccine, IMVAMUNE(R).
Bavarian Nordic is listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange Copenhagen under the
symbol BAVA.
Bavarian Nordic