Inovio Biomedical introduces new CELLECTRA-SP series of hand-held, cordless electroporation devices

Inovio Biomedical Corporation (NYSE Amex: INO), a leader in DNA vaccine design, development and delivery, has unveiled its new CELLECTRA®-SP series of hand-held, cordless electroporation devices at the DNA Vaccines 2010 conference being held in New Orleans, LA.

Existing generations of electroporation systems consist of an electrical pulse generator box the size of a large laptop attached by a cord to a separate needle-electrode applicator. The new CELLECTRA®-SP devices bring together groundbreaking design and engineering advancements to combine all components into a self-contained, easy-to-use portable device the size of a cordless hand tool.

Inovio's electroporation-based DNA vaccine delivery systems can increase levels of gene expression (i.e. production of the immune-system-stimulating protein the vaccine was coded to produce) of “naked” DNA vaccines by 100-fold or more compared to delivery of naked DNA vaccines via conventional injection alone. Delivery of Inovio’s SynCon™ DNA vaccines into muscle or skin tissue with Inovio’s electroporation systems have generated robust immune responses in disease models including influenza (H5N1 and H1N1), smallpox, and HIV. The strong immune responses have resulted in protection of immunized animals, most notably ferrets and primates, from death and illness following a challenge with the respective pathogens.

More significantly, Inovio has translated these animal study findings into positive clinical results. Inovio’s clinical studies with electroporation delivery of DNA vaccines in cancer patients have been among the first to demonstrate generation of potent antigen-specific immune responses in humans. Inovio recently announced that its therapeutic cervical cancer vaccine VGX-3100 showed significant dose-related T-cell and antibody responses in an on-going Phase I study.

The new CELLECTRA®-SP products combine the functionality of its current generation of skin and intramuscular electroporation devices in clinical testing with enhanced form, design, and portability. All components from the pulse generator and applicator are integrated into a cordless, rechargeable device. The rechargeable battery can enable vaccination of several hundred subjects, making the device highly amenable to mass vaccination. The devices are designed to accommodate different electrode arrays to meet the requirements of the particular vaccine and tissue for delivery (skin or muscle).

Dr. J. Joseph Kim, president and CEO, stated, “The new CELLECTRA®-SP device is a testament to the skills of Inovio’s engineering and research teams. As we look beyond the proof-of-concept stage for our DNA vaccine and delivery programs, our goal is to continue our industry leadership in developing and commercializing new vaccines which could improve the lives of millions of people around the world.”