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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rochester, NY - Vaccinex, Inc. announced today that it has entered
into a collaboration with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NASDAQ:
Teva) to develop and commercialize VX15, a novel human antibody discovered
by Vaccinex. VX15 represents a new targeted therapy that has the potential
to improve efficacy in treating Multiple Sclerosis (MS) by both suppressing
the body's autoimmune response and blocking damage to the central nervous
system. VX15 has also shown the ability to eradicate tumors in animal
studies by inhibiting blood flow and starving cancer cells of nutrients
and energy. VX15 is one of four Vaccinex antibodies currently in pre-clinical
development. According to the terms of the agreement, Teva will make an equity investment
in Vaccinex and pay undisclosed fees, development milestones and royalties
on product sales to acquire an exclusive license for the development
and commercialization of VX15 in multiple sclerosis and other disease
indications. Vaccinex retains rights to oncology indications and will
continue to conduct all pre-clinical development activities which will
be funded by Teva. Teva will have an option to participate as a co-development
partner in oncology after Vaccinex completes Phase I clinical trials.
"This transaction demonstrates Vaccinex's evolution from an antibody discovery company to a product-based company with a growing pipeline and increasing product development capabilities," said Dr. Maurice Zauderer, Vaccinex's President and CEO. "Teva is a tremendously valuable partner for VX15 due to its broad expertise and leadership in the MS market. We are pleased Teva has recognized that Vaccinex is uniquely poised to be a major player in the antibody market." Vaccinex, Inc. Vaccinex is a privately held biotechnology company engaged in the discovery
and development of novel therapeutic antibodies. Utilizing its proprietary
ActivMAb® technology, Vaccinex can select fully human monoclonal
antibodies against targets that would be difficult to address with other
technologies. This technology can also be used to fully humanize mouse
and other non-human antibodies. The firm is headquartered in Rochester,
NY and currently has 48 employees. (Also see the company's website,
www.vaccinex.com).
Vaccinex: Raymond E. Watkins, Vice President of Operations, 585.271.2700
(x-105)
Copyright © 2008 Vaccinex, Inc. |
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