Mymetics Secures New Patent for Virosome Based Vaccines
Nov. 29, 2010 (Marketwire) --
EPALINGES, SWITZERLAND -- (Marketwire) -- 11/29/10 -- Mymetics Corporation (OTCBB: MYMX), a pioneer in the development of vaccines preventing early transmission of human infectious diseases, announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued a notice of allowance for the patent application "Phospholipid Virosome" # 10/544,939, based on WO 04/071492.
Dr. Toon Stegmann, CSO of Mymetics BV, said, "This patent not only allows Mymetics to use a production method that results in better yields and provides an increased activity of virosome vaccines, but it also allows Mymetics to develop virosome based vaccines on any other enveloped virus than flu."
Jacques-François Martin, CEO of Mymetics, added "This patent complements very well the intellectual property portfolio around Mymetics' vaccine pipeline and broadens, in particular, our technology platform to develop other non-influenza virosome based vaccines. It is also an additional confirmation of the importance of our acquisition of Virosome Biologicals last year."
Mymetics already uses this new innovative production method for its Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) vaccine that are in preclinical development.
The patent, which describes a method for the production of virosome vaccines based on a short-chain phospholipid, was developed by Mymetics BV in collaboration with the University of Groningen, in the Netherlands. Mymetics BV was formerly known as Virosome Biologicals, which was acquired by Mymetics Corporation in April 2009.
Since the opposition period for the European equivalent of the patent ended at the same time, without opposition being filed, and considering that patent was also granted in most Asian countries, the key technology that will be the basis for Mymetics' future vaccines is now secure.
About Virosomes
A virosome is a drug or vaccine delivery mechanism consisting of a lipid membrane based on an enveloped virus. This membrane can incorporate virus derived proteins to allow the virosomes to fuse with target cells or it can be used as the full natural membrane and proteins of the virus to develop an appropriate vaccine. Virosomes are not able to replicate but are pure fusion-active vesicles. The safety and efficacy of the original virosome technology, which is based on the influenza envelope, has been approved in more than 40 countries for two vaccines developed and marketed by Crucell, one for influenza and one for Hepatitis A.
About Mymetics
Mymetics Corporation is a Swiss-based biotechnology company registered in the US (OTC BB: MYMX) developing next-generation preventative vaccines for infectious diseases. Mymetics' core technology and expertise are based on the use of virosomes, lipid-based carriers containing functional fusion viral proteins, in combination with rationally designed antigens. The company's vaccines are designed to induce protection against early transmission and infection, focusing on the mucosal immune response as a first-line defense, which for some pathogens may be essential for the development of an effective vaccine. Mymetics is led by an international and experienced management team and is supported by a strong Scientific Advisory Board composed of renowned experts. The company has established contacts with world leaders in vaccine development.
Mymetics currently has 5 vaccines in its pipeline: HIV-1/AIDS, Influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Malaria and Herpes Simplex Virus. The company's HIV vaccine is entering a new proof-of-concept preclinical trial following unprecedented results in a first study, and is also currently in a Phase I clinical trial in human volunteers. A Phase 1b clinical trial for its Malaria vaccine on children in Tanzania has been completed, while RSV and HSV vaccine candidates are in the preclinical phase. The Influenza vaccine has been out-licensed to Solvay Pharmaceuticals (now Abbott). For further information, please visit www.mymetics.com.
Forward looking statements
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements, which are identified by the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan" and similar expressions. The statements contained herein which are not based on historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect our actual results, performance or achievements in the future and, accordingly, such actual results, performance or achievements may materially differ from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by or on our behalf. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks associated with our ability to successfully develop and protect our intellectual property, our ability to raise additional capital to fund future operations and compliance with applicable laws and changes in such laws and the administration of such laws. See Mymetics' most recent Form 10-K for a discussion of such risks, uncertainties and other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date the statements were made.
Contact:
Ronald Kempers
CFO and COO
Mymetics Corporation
Tel: +41 21 653 4535
U.S. Media:
Michelle Linn
Linnden Communications
Tel: 508-362-3087
Email: Email Contact
Europe Media:
Christophe Lamps
Senior Partner
Dynamics Group
Mobile: + 41 79 476 26 87
Email: Email Contact
Source: Marketwire (November 29, 2010 - 8:30 AM EST)
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