DNA vaccine development company Coridon Pty Ltd. today announced that it had successfully completed pre-clinical efficacy testing of its prototype Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2) vaccine, with outstanding results. The company will now look to progress the program into clinical studies.
Collaborating with Professor David Koelle and his colleagues at the University of Washington in Seattle, Coridon tested a number of different formulations of Coridon’s prototype vaccine. These proved 100% effective at protecting animals against HSV-2 infection, confirming an earlier study with the University of Washington which also demonstrated 90-100% protection against infection. These results were presented at the 5th Vaccine and ISV Annual Global Congress in Seattle on 3rd October 2011.
Having achieved this milestone, Coridon has now secured additional funding from major investor Allied Healthcare Group and plans to commence manufacturing and undertake formal pre-clinical safety studies before testing the vaccine in a Phase I clinical study.
“The results of our herpes vaccine mark the beginning of an exciting period," stated Professor Ian Frazer, Chairman of Coridon. "Over the next 12 months, we expect pivotal data showing that our HSV vaccine, which incorporates Coridon optimisation technology, produces similar immune responses in the clinic to those seen in the animal trials.”
Coridon is developing DNA vaccines for the prevention and treatment for a range of infectious diseases and cancers in humans, utilising the company‚s patented technology. Coridon’s DNA vaccine technologies differ from conventional vaccines in that they offer both preventative and therapeutic value.
Coridon was founded by Professor Ian Frazer to commercialise his work in developing next generation DNA vaccines. Professor Frazer’s work at Coridon follows the success of his cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil. Major shareholder in Coridon, Allied Healthcare Group (ASX: AHZ) is working with Professor Frazer to assist in the commercialisation of his work.