Precision Virologics | September 23, 2020
Biotech startup Precision Virologics, which develops adenovirus-based vaccines in St. Louis, and Bharat Biotech, a vaccine manufacturing giant, jointly obtained rights from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis for a novel chimp-adenovirus vaccine for COVID-19. Precision Virologics has optioned rights for USA, Europe, and Japan. Bharat has obtained a license for all other markets. The licensing agreements will lead to rapid clinical development, following the intranasal vaccine candidate having shown unprecedented levels of protection in mouse studies. This technology and data recently was published in Cell and Nature. "The ability to accomplish effective immunization with a single nasal dose is a major advantage, offering broader reach and easier administration," said Precision Virologics Interim CEO David T. Curiel, MD, PhD. "An effective nasal dose not only protects against COVID-19, but it also prevents the spread of the disease by directly targeting the cells that line the nose and throat. Most other vaccine candidates currently under development can't do that." Based on these exceptional findings, the National Institutes of Health is advancing studies in non-human primates. Phase I trials – a single nasal dose – will take place at Saint Louis University's Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Unit. Bharat Biotech, upon obtaining regulatory approvals, will pursue clinical trials in India and undertake large-scale manufacture of the vaccine at its GMP facility in Genome Valley, India.
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CELL AND GENE THERAPY
Burixafor | November 09, 2020
TaiGen Biotechnology Company, Limited ("TaiGen") announced today that they have signed an exclusive agreement with GPCR Therapeutics, Inc. ("GPCR"), a leading Korean biotechnology company, for the continued development of Burixafor worldwide and the commercialization of Taigexyn® (nemonoxacin) in South Korea. Burixafor is a highly potent CXCR4 inhibitor currently under clinical development. It can be used as a stem cell mobilizer for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and a chemosensitizer in hematological and solid tumors. It can also be used for stem cell collection in healthy individuals for personalized regenerative medicine. Taigexyn® is a novel safe and effective antibiotic for the treatment of bacterial infections including those caused by drug-resistant bacteria. Under the terms of the agreement, GPCR Therapeutics will be wholly responsible for the development, registration, and commercialization of Taigexyn® in S. Korea and Burixafor worldwide. Apart from upfront fees, TaiGen will receive shares of GPCR Therapeutics as well as future milestone and royalty payments.
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Bio-K | October 22, 2020
Bio-K Plus International Inc. (Bio-K Plus), pioneer in the probiotic sector and leader in the biotech industry, is pleased to announce the launch of its new line of functional beverages, Essential. Focused on offering premium quality probiotics that make a real difference in people's lives around the world, the company is adding the Essential line to its existing Pro and Original lines. In keeping with this tradition of high quality, the Essential line fits perfectly into the active and modern lifestyle of today's consumer, always looking for innovative ways to stay healthy. Bio-K Plus offers a dose of probiotics in the form of fun, delightful and balanced functional beverages. This announcement is the result of more than two years of research and development carried out by Bio-K Plus' experienced team that has developed the best line of functional beverages infused with probiotic bacteria. This project was led by Martin Croteau, Chief Commercial Officer, and was driven by the need to democratize probiotics, making them more accessible for all, and broaden their use to support global health in a more holistic manner.
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