GeoVax Labs Announces Issuance of 6th Patent
US Patent #7,795,017 Addresses DNA Expression Vectors and Methods of Use
ATLANTA, Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- GeoVax Labs, Inc. (OTCQB/OTC Bulletin Board: GOVX), a biotechnology company that creates, develops and tests innovative HIV/AIDS vaccines, has been issued via an exclusive license from Emory University, a US Patent for its "DNA expression vectors and methods of use." Issued on September 14, 2010, the patent claims cover novel vectors and novel HIV vaccine inserts.
Harriet Robinson, Chief Scientific Officer and lead inventor on the patent said, "This patent covers our pGA series of plasmids that are not only useful for delivery of DNA vaccines but have proven to have outstanding stability during large scale manufacture. pGA stands for plasmid (p) developed in Georgia (GA)."
"The patent," according to Dr. Robinson, "also covers the development of earlier forms of the DNA insert for our lead HIV/AIDS vaccine that is currently in phase 2a trials through the US HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Our HIV vaccine insert expresses non-infectious virus-like particles. These virus-like particles train the immune system to recognize the real infection, should the person become exposed. We are the only developers to achieve the expression of non-infectious virus-like particles that display the natural form of the HIV-1 envelope protein to the immune system. This unique feature is important because it is the natural form of the envelope protein that the immune system needs to recognize to efficiently tag incoming virus for destruction."
GeoVax has a patent portfolio consisting of over 20 issued and pending patents covering the Company's vaccine technology and manufacturing methods. According to GeoVax CEO, Dr. Robert McNally, "every issued patent helps protect this very promising vaccine. Currently the company has issued patents that cover the constructs for both the DNA and MVA (modified vaccinia Ankara) vaccines, the two principal vaccines that make this technology so effective and further patents are pending."
About the Patent
GeoVax's US Patent (#7795017) relates to novel plasmid constructs useful for the delivery of DNA vaccines. The present invention provides novel plasmids having a transcription cassette capable of directing the expression of a vaccine nucleic acid insert encoding immunogens derived from any pathogen, including fungi, bacteria and viruses. The present invention, however, is focused on inducing an immune response against HIV.
The immunodeficiency virus vaccine inserts of the present invention express non-infectious HIV virus-like particles (VLP). Also described are methods for immunizing a patient by delivery of a novel plasmid of the present invention to the patient for expression of the vaccine insert therein. Optionally, the immunization protocol may include a booster vaccination that may be a live vector vaccine such as a recombinant pox virus or modified vaccinia Ankara. The booster live vaccine vector includes a vaccine insert expressing the same proteins as the DNA priming vaccine.
About GeoVax Labs, Inc.
GeoVax is a biotechnology company developing human vaccines for diseases caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus – that leads to AIDS). Goals include developing HIV/AIDS vaccines for global markets, overseeing manufacturing and testing of these vaccines under GMP/GLP conditions (FDA guidelines), conducting clinical trials for vaccine safety and effectiveness, and obtaining regulatory approvals to move the products forward. All preventative Phase 1 human clinical trials conducted to date have tested various combinations and doses of our DNA and MVA vaccines, their ability to raise anti-HIV immune responses, as well as the vaccines' safety. Successful results from all Phase 1 testing supported the initiation of the first Phase 2 testing. GeoVax's Phase 2 human trial began in January 2009 and will ultimately involve 300 participants at sites in the United States and South America. Recently the Company began a Phase 1 therapeutic trial for individuals already infected with HIV. For more information, please visit www.geovax.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this document are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from those included in these statements due to a variety of factors, including whether: GeoVax can develop and manufacture these vaccines with the desired characteristics in a timely manner, GeoVax's vaccines will be safe for human use, GeoVax's vaccines will effectively prevent AIDS in humans, vaccines will receive regulatory approvals necessary to be licensed and marketed, GeoVax raises required capital to complete vaccine development, there is development of competitive products that may be more effective or easier to use than GeoVax's products, GeoVax will be able to enter into favorable manufacturing and distribution agreements, and other factors, over which GeoVax has no control. GeoVax assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, and does not intend to do so. More information about these factors is contained in GeoVax's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including those set forth at "Risk Factors" in GeoVax's Form 10-K.
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