PLANTATION, Fla., Feb. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Viragen, Inc.
(Amex: VRA) and its majority-owned subsidiary, Viragen International, Inc.
(OTC Bulletin Board: VGNI), today reported on the progression of anti-viral
studies using Multiferon(R) (multi-subtype, natural human alpha interferon)
being conducted by the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious
Diseases (USAMRIID). These studies have found Multiferon(R) to have
significant activity when used in vitro against certain "Category A"
pathogens, a class of highly virulent viral threats, which have the potential
to be used in biowarfare.
In this research collaboration, Viragen and USAMRIID have agreed to
conduct a study program designed to evaluate Multiferon(R) against specific
viral agents. Additional studies will evaluate Multiferon(R) as a possible
broad-acting anti-viral product, which may be used as a first-line of defense
against unknown infectious agents or when no therapeutic or vaccine exists.
These studies are expected to be completed by this summer and will help
determine the potential role of Multiferon(R) as a bio-defense product.
Viragen's Vice President and Managing Director of Viragen (Scotland) Ltd.,
Dr. Karen Jervis, commented, "The initial studies conducted by USAMRIID have
focused on the in vitro activity of Multiferon(R) in cell lines when exposed
to a variety of 'Category A' pathogens, including Ebola virus. The results
obtained thus far have been highly encouraging, showing Multiferon(R) to
display broad anti-viral effects, and indeed, we are hopeful that these and
future results will indicate that Multiferon(R) can be used as a versatile
anti-viral agent, with efficacy against a wide range of pathogens. These
studies will continue in both in vitro and in vivo models, and we are now in
negotiations to expand such work to include the participation of other leading
U.S. government research agencies."
To review the Category A, B & C Priority Pathogens as listed by the
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), please visit:
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/Biodefense/bandc_priority.htm
About USAMRIID:
USAMRIID, located at Fort Detrick, Maryland, is the lead medical research
laboratory for the U.S. Biological Defense Research Program, and plays a key
role in national defense and in infectious disease research. The Institute's
mission is to conduct basic and applied research on biological threats
resulting in medical solutions (such as vaccines, drugs and diagnostics) to
protect the warfighter. USAMRIID is a subordinate laboratory of the U.S. Army
Medical Research and Materiel Command.
The information contained in this press release does not necessarily
reflect the position or the policy of the Government and no official
endorsement should be inferred.
About Viragen, Inc.:
With global operations in the U.S., Scotland and Sweden, Viragen is a
biotechnology company engaged in the research, development, manufacture and
commercialization of pharmaceutical proteins for the treatment of viral
diseases and cancers. Our product portfolio includes: Multiferon(R) (multi-
subtype, natural human alpha interferon) targeting a broad range of infectious
and malignant diseases; and humanized monoclonal antibodies targeting specific
antigens over-expressed on many types of cancers. We are also pioneering the
development of Avian Transgenic Technology, with the renowned Roslin
Institute, as a revolutionary manufacturing platform for the large-scale,
efficient and economical production of human therapeutic proteins and
antibodies.
For more information, please visit: http://www.Viragen.com
Viragen, Inc. Corporate Contact:
Douglas Calder, Director of Communications
Phone: (954) 233-8746; Fax: (954) 233-1414
E-mail: dcalder@viragen.com
The foregoing press announcement contains forward-looking statements that
can be identified by such terminology such as "expects," "potential,"
"suggests," "may," "should," "could" or similar expressions. Such forward-
looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different from any
future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such
statements. In particular, management's expectations regarding future
research, development and/or commercial results could be affected by, among
other things, uncertainties relating to clinical trials and product
development; availability of future financing; unexpected regulatory delays or
government regulation generally; the Company's ability to obtain or maintain
patent and other proprietary intellectual property protection; and competition
in general. Forward-looking statements speak only as to the date they are
made. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to
reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking
statements are made.
SOURCE Viragen, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.viragen.com
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/Biodefense/bandc_priority.htm
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AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
CONTACT:
Douglas Calder, Director of Communications,
Viragen, +1-954-233-8746, or fax, +1-954-233-1414, or
dcalder@viragen.com
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