SEATTLE, Oct. 27, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TapImmune Inc. (OTCBB:TPIV) announced that the US Patent Office has issued Patent 7,994,146 entitled "Method of Enhancing an Immune Response".
The invention relates to a method of enhancing an immune response to an antigen by augmenting the level of TAP (Transporters Associated with Antigen Processing) molecule in a target cell bearing the antigen. This patent details application to treating vaccinia, herpes simplex and influenza virus infections and small cell lung cancer. Levels of TAP in humans correlate with susceptibility to certain diseases and the ability to respond to a vaccine.
"The issuance of this patent reflects our strategy to continually expand and strengthen our IP portfolio and demonstrates the broad applicability of our TAP platform in multiple therapeutic areas," said Glynn Wilson Chairman and CEO of TapImmune.
TapImmune's unique approach is designed to increase the efficacy of vaccines by enhancing antigen presentation through the use of TAP. Replacement of this transporter provides a significant immune response with the potential to treat a variety of cancers and infectious diseases.
TapImmune's lead product candidate, AdhTAP, is designed to restore and augment antigen presentation and subsequent recognition and killing of cancer cells by the immune system. As a stand-alone cancer therapy or in combination with other drugs, AdhTAP could prove to be a key component of a more successful assault on cancer. TapImmune is entering clinical co-development of a multi-component vaccine for the treatment of HER-2/neu positive breast cancer.
The Company is also developing a TAP-based prophylactic vaccine which initial tests indicate may increase the efficacy of targeted prophylactic vaccines by up to 1000 times. TapImmune's TAP technology could significantly improve the efficacy of many current prophylactic vaccines and enhance the creation of new ones in the fight against many pandemic infectious diseases.
Next generation smallpox and tuberculosis vaccines containing TAP genes are currently in preclinical development.
About TapImmune
TapImmune's unique approach is designed to increase the efficacy of vaccines by enhancing antigen presentation through the use of the Transporter of Antigen Processing ('TAP'). Replacement of this transporter provides a significant immune response with the potential to treat a variety of cancers which lack normal amounts of TAP. TapImmune's lead product candidate, AdhTAP, is designed to restore and augment antigen presentation and subsequent recognition and killing of cancer cells by the immune system. The Company is currently planning the development of AdhTAP for the commencement of clinical manufacturing and toxicology studies. As a stand-alone cancer therapy or in combination with other drugs, AdhTAP could prove to be a key component of a more successful assault on cancer. TapImmune is initiating clinical development of a multi-component vaccine for the treatment of HER-2/neu positive breast cancer.
The Company is also developing a TAP-based prophylactic vaccine which initial tests indicate may increase the efficacy of targeted prophylactic vaccines by up to 1000 times. TapImmune's TAP technology could significantly improve the efficacy of many current prophylactic vaccines and enhance the creation of new ones in the fight against many pandemic infectious diseases. Next generation smallpox and TB vaccines are currently in preclinical development.
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This release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this news release concerning the Company's expectations, plans, business outlook or future performance, and any other statements concerning assumptions made or expectations as to any future events, conditions, performance or other matters, are "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are by their nature subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those stored in such statements. Such risks, uncertainties and factors include, but are not limited to the risks set forth in the Company's most recent Form 10-K and other SEC filings which are available through EDGAR at www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements.