Tripep completes phase I clinical study of its ChronVac-C hepatitis C virus DNA vaccine

Inovio Biomedical Corporation (NYSE Amex:INO), a leader in DNA vaccine design, development and delivery, announced today that its partner Tripep AB of Sweden has completed its phase I clinical study of its ChronVac-C hepatitis C virus DNA vaccine delivered using Inovio’s electroporation technology. The study established the safety and tolerability of this therapy, with vaccine-induced immune responses and transient effects on the serum levels of hepatitis C virus in these chronically infected patients providing proof-of-concept of DNA vaccines delivered using electroporation.

Twelve patients were treated with this combination of Tripep’s ChronVac-C DNA vaccine and Inovio’s proprietary electroporation technology. In the lowest (167 µg) dose group, there was no reduction in serum levels of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA and no immune responses lasting ≥ 1 month were detected. In the 500 µg dose group, two of three patients showed transient reductions in serum levels of HCV RNA (up to -1.5log₁₀) and in the same two patients T-cell responses to the vaccine lasting ≥ 1 month did appear. In the 1500 µg dose group, three of six patients showed transient reductions in serum levels of HCV RNA (up to -2.4log₁₀) and in two of these three patients there were T-cell responses to the vaccine persisting over one month.

In addition, early data from three patients given standard of care treatment since completing the clinical trial have experienced rapid reduction of the virus, possibly suggesting a role for such a vaccine in combination with existing approved therapies. Additional patients will be monitored during the coming year.

Dr. J. Joseph Kim, Inovio’s President and CEO, said, “We are pleased to collaborate with Tripep. The results of this clinical study will contribute to the advancement of all our programs for DNA vaccines delivered using electroporation, including those for influenza, HIV, cervical cancer, and other infectious diseases.”

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