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Intercell´s results on a novel pneumococcal protein-based vaccine published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine

Wien (euro adhoc) -

» Intercell (ICLL) published pre-clinical data on its pneumococcal
  vaccine program in the renowned Journal of Experimental Medicine
» The article reveals the Pneumococcal ANTIGENome determined by 
  Intercell´s proprietary AIP® technology 
» The authors describe the selection process to retrieve highly
  conserved,novel pneumococcal protein antigens that are part of 
  a new vaccine soon to enter clinical testing
  ots.CorporateNews transmitted by euro adhoc. The issuer is responsible for
  the content of this announcement.
research
Vienna (Austria), January 8, 2008 - Intercell
(VSE: ICLL) is pleased to announce the publication of a scientific 
article about its research regarding pneumococcal vaccines by the 
internationally-renowned "Journal of Experimental Medicine". The 
"Journal of Experimental Medicine" (www.jem.org) is one of the most 
selective and renowned biomedical journals publishing important new 
advances in research areas that include immunology and infectious 
diseases among others. The authors describe the selection process, 
which involved in-vitro assays and animal protection studies, to 
retrieve highly conserved novel pneumococcal protein antigens that 
are part of a new vaccine soon to enter clinical testing.
Streptococcus pneumoniae (Pneumococcus) is a wide-spread human 
pathogen which is responsible for more than 1.5 million deaths 
worldwide, killing more people in the US and Europe than any other 
vaccine preventable disease. Besides life-threatening invasive 
infections (meningitis, bacteremia, pneumonia), it also causes 
millions of cases of otitis media in children.
In the article published by Giefing et al in the Journal of 
Experimental Medicine (January 2, 2008), the corresponding author 
Eszter Nagy, Vice President of Pre-clinical Research & Development at
Intercell, and Intercell´s research team report the identification of
novel vaccine candidate Pneumococcus antigens. The two lead 
candidates forming the basis of Intercell´s subunit pneumococcal 
vaccine were found to be exceptionally conserved among clinical 
isolates (>99.5% identity), cross-protective against different 
serotypes in lethal sepsis and pneumonia models, immunogenic in both 
elderly and young children, and that they play important 
non-redundant roles in bacterial multiplication. In this article, the
authors report for the first time opsonophagocytic killing activity 
for antibodies induced by proteinaceous pneumococcal antigens that is
a promising in-vitro assay for potential surrogate markers.
Due to high medical need, great efforts are being made to develop 
effective vaccines for the prevention of pneumococcal diseases in 
both industrialized and developing countries. Although capsular 
polysaccharides are proven to be highly effective vaccine antigens, 
none of the current capsular polysaccharide-based vaccines can 
address the needs of both the elderly and children in all parts of 
the world, as the existence of more than 90 different serotypes 
hinders the development of full coverage vaccines. Hence, there is an
urgent need for the development of novel vaccines containing 
protective antigens that are present in all serotypes and can be 
easily produced at lower cost. "This publication demonstrates the 
broad applicability and success of our Antigen Identification Program
(AIP®) as well as the appreciation of the vaccine research community.
Based on the data presented in this article, we are developing an 
innovative, novel vaccine that will address the needs of a 
much-awaited, affordable and broad-coverage pediatric vaccine in 
developing countries. The development of this vaccine is supported by
PATH and therefore also the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. 
Furthermore, we are also working on an improved vaccine for the 
elderly", stated Alexander von Gabain, Chief Scientific Officer of 
Intercell AG.
Intercell´s AIP® technology has already resulted in a novel sub-unit 
vaccine candidate against Staphylococcus aureus, currently in 
Phase-II testing by partner Merck & Co., Inc, USA. According to 
Intercell´s plans, the pneumococcal vaccine described in the recent 
article will also enter Phase I clinical testing in 2008.
About Intercell´s AIP® Technology
ICLL´s Antigen Identification Program (AIP®) identifies novel 
antigens from a variety of pathogens. Intercell´s team focuses on 
those antigens that are believed to induce the strongest response 
from the human immune system, thus providing a viable basis for the 
potential development of novel and more powerful vaccines and 
antibody treatments. Through AIP®, a large number of novel antigens 
related to a wide variety of infectious diseases have been 
successfully identified. In addition, certain product candidates are 
currently partnered with sanofi pasteur and Merck & Co., Inc., while 
others based on development projects are planned to be developed 
in-house or partnered with third parties.
end of announcement                               euro adhoc

Further inquiry note:

Intercell AG
Lucia Malfent
Head of Corporate Communications
Campus Vienna Biocenter 2, A-1030 Vienna
P: +43-1-20620-303
Mail to: LMalfent@intercell.com

Branche: Biotechnology
ISIN: AT0000612601
WKN: A0D8HW
Börsen: Wiener Börse AG / official market

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