CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 3, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VBI Vaccines (Nasdaq:VBIV) ("VBI") delivered a presentation, Enveloped Virus-Like Particles: Third-generation VLPs for the Development of a Broadly Neutralizing Hepatitis C Vaccine, today at the World Vaccine Congress Asia. The event was held in Singapore at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre.
A synopsis of the presentation, which was delivered by Jeff Baxter, VBI's President and CEO, is available here: http://www.vbivaccines.com/wire/wvc-asia-2015
VBI's Hepatitis C ("HCV") vaccine candidate leverages the company's eVLP vaccine platform, which enables the development of enveloped ("e") virus-like particle ("VLP") vaccines. eVLPs are an innovative new class of synthetic vaccines that are designed to closely resemble the structure of viruses. Because of their structural similarity to viruses found in nature, eVLPs are capable of imparting greater immunity than immunization with the same recombinant target protein alone.
VBI's eVLP vaccine platform has been used to develop a Hepatitis C vaccine candidate that may be capable of eliciting broadly reactive neutralizing antibodies against multiple genotypes of HCV. This is a critical issue for HCV, as the virus is characterized by multiple, geographically distinct genotypes. Addressing the genetic diversity of the Hepatitis C virus may provide an advantage in developing successful antiviral regimens or therapeutic vaccines. In addition, VBI believes its HCV vaccine candidate may be capable of replacing interferon when used in combination with standard antivirals.
"VBI has previously demonstrated strong cross-reactive neutralizing antibody responses against multiple genotypes of HCV in monkeys," said Mr. Baxter. "Based on this data, we believe our HCV vaccine candidate has the potential to be a promising and safe component of HCV treatment regimens, especially in areas where the transmission of Hepatitis C has not yet been adequately addressed by the existing field of approved and available drugs."
Now in its eighth year, the World Vaccine Congress Asia is attended by decision makers from across the Asia Pacific region including leading research institutions, government regulators, and life sciences companies. To learn more, visit: http://bit.ly/wvc-asia-2015
About VBI Vaccines Inc.
VBI Vaccines Inc. ("VBI") is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel technologies that seek to expand vaccine protection in large underserved markets. VBI's eVLP vaccine platform allows for the design of enveloped ("e") virus-like particle ("VLP") vaccines that closely mimic the target virus. VBI's lead eVLP asset is a prophylactic Cytomegalovirus ("CMV") vaccine; VBI has initiated work for GMP manufacturing of its CMV candidate for use in formal preclinical and Phase I trials. VBI's second platform is a thermostable technology that enables the development of vaccines and biologics that can withstand storage or shipment at constantly fluctuating temperatures. VBI has completed proof of concept thermostability studies on a number of vaccine and biologic targets. VBI is headquartered in Cambridge, MA with research facilities in Ottawa, Canada.
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