PORT HUENEME, CA--(Marketwire - Aug 3, 2011) - Stellar Biotechnologies, Inc. "Stellar" (
This collaboration is expected to increase access to a scalable source for KLH, a critical immunostimulatory vaccine carrier protein that will enable the transition from clinical research to commercialization of conjugate vaccine platforms, while managing costs and the risk of supply constraints faced by suppliers that rely on the exploitation of the critically limited natural resource.
Stellar will supply all aquaculture-derived KLH intermediate required for production of SAFC cGMP KLH formulations. SAFC will manufacture HMW KLH under cGMP conditions and provide cGMP clinical and commercial manufacturing of bioconjugation services to support the development and manufacture of conjugate vaccines.
SAFC Director of Business Development Tom Gelineau said, "Our agreement with Stellar Biotechnologies reinforces SAFC's commitment to providing high quality products and specialized contract manufacturing resources to global biopharmaceutical customers -- from research through commercialization."
Stellar CEO Frank Oakes commented, "The agreement solidifies our position as the only source for a scalable supply of cGMP-grade HMW-KLH for the vaccine business. We have put Stellar's aquaculture KLH supply front and center in combination with what we believe is the most important manufacturer and marketer of cGMP biologics in the world, Sigma-Aldrich's SAFC business unit. This exciting development will allow us to move aggressively forward on our diagnostic programs, knowing that the state-of-the-art quality assurance and production capabilities of SAFC will be providing the backbone for companies seeking the highest quality HMW-KLH available for vaccine developers anywhere in the world. We look forward to continuing growth in this relationship and will begin manufacture of SAFC's initial order as soon as possible."
About High Molecular Weight KLH:
HMW KLH is an ideal carrier molecule for vaccine antigens (substances that promote the generation of antibody and cell-mediated immune responses) against cancers and infectious agents. The combination of an antigen against specific tumor cell-types, conjugated to the highly immunogenic HMW KLH molecule, is the basis for a proven strategy for a new class of drugs known as therapeutic vaccines. Potent yet safe in humans, KLH is highly prized as a critical component of certain therapeutic vaccines including ones for lymphoma, bladder, breast, colon and other cancers as well as other indications including Alzheimer's, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and others.
About SAFC®: SAFC is the custom manufacturing and services business unit of Sigma-Aldrich Corporation (
About Sigma-Aldrich (
SAFC and Sigma-Aldrich are registered trademarks of Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC.
About Stellar Biotechnologies, Inc. Stellar Biotechnologies, Inc. (
There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on such statements. Except in accordance with applicable securities laws, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking statements that are incorporated by reference herein. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company's securities set out herein in the United States, or to, or for the benefit or account of, a U.S. Person or person in the United States. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of these releases.
Contact Information:
Contact:
Michael McClurg
VP, Business Development & Marketing
322 Scott Street
Port Hueneme, CA 93041
(805) 488-2147
cell - 858 735 6117
mmcclurg@StellarBiotech.com