Studies to Focus on Multiferon(R) as Broad-Acting Anti-Viral Agent Against
Biowarfare Threats
PLANTATION, Fla., May 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Viragen, Inc. (Amex:
VRA) today announced that the Company has entered into a research
collaboration agreement with AFG BioSolutions, Inc., a prominent biodefense
consultant to the U.S. federal government. Maryland-based AFG BioSolutions
has agreed to conduct in vivo research studies using Multiferon(R)
(natural, human alpha interferon) to evaluate its utility as a broad-acting
anti-viral agent against a variety of biological threats such as smallpox
and other biowarfare viral threat agents.
Dr. Ken Alibek, AFG's President and Chief Scientific Officer,
commented, "Our research studies are primarily funded by biodefense
contracts and grants with the U.S. federal government, including with the
State Department, the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency and the
National Institutes of Health. These studies are committed to identifying
the best defenses, including the best drug candidates, that can mitigate
the risks associated with biological weapons in order to better protect our
armed forces and the general population at large. We aim to expand the
scope of our studies using Multiferon(R), as we continue to seek novel
prophylactic and therapeutic approaches to significantly strengthen our
medical defenses." Dr. Alibek is also a Distinguished Professor of Medical
Microbiology and Immunology at George Mason University in Virginia.
Viragen's President and CEO, Charles A. Rice, noted the importance of
such research partnerships: "While we evaluate additional potential
indications for Multiferon(R), it is important to continue our work with
independent research institutions and experts, such as with the U.S. Army
Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) and now with
AFG BioSolutions. Through these collaborations, we continue to collect
definitive evidence, indicating that all alpha interferon products are not
alike. The unique mixture of alpha subtypes in Multiferon(R) makes it 'the
natural choice' for broad anti-viral applications, as these ongoing
comparative studies are expected to demonstrate."
"As we build our Multiferon(R) business across Europe, positioning it
as a leading adjuvant treatment for high-risk malignant melanoma, we will
continue to pursue cost-effective programs to expand the indications for
our interferon technologies worldwide," added Mr. Rice.
These planned research studies represent preliminary evaluations, and
success cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, Viragen is not yet prepared to
recommend Multiferon(R) as a prophylactic, preventive or treatment for any
Biodefense application. However, continued mounting scientific evidence
will confirm or refute the Company's belief that Multiferon(R) shows
immuno- protective and anti-viral activity against multiple viral targets,
and holds the potential to be more effective than other anti-viral
products.
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.
About AFG BioSolutions, Inc.:
AFG Biosolutions, located in Germantown, Maryland, is a research and
development company with unique capabilities for developing lead candidates
for vaccines, antibodies and other therapeutic and prophylactic
preparations. Using proprietary Rev-VAT(TM) technology, AFG intends to
extend its proven approach for developing antibody and vaccine candidates
against biological weapons -- threats such as anthrax, smallpox, plague,
and tularemia -- into the area of naturally occurring infectious diseases,
cancers, and autoimmune diseases. AFG (formerly known as Advanced
Biosystems, Inc.) was founded in 1999 as a subsidiary of the Analex
Corporation (formerly known as Hadron, Inc.). In November 2004, AFG
co-founders Dr. Kenneth Alibek, Vaughn Forrest, and Dr. C.W. Gilluly
completed a management buyout of the company from Analex. AFG currently has
26 talented, highly motivated employees, who represent a strong, educated
labor force and occupy professional and technical positions within the
company. AFG scientists are widely recognized for scientific leadership in
infectious diseases, biodefense, immunology, molecular biology and genetic
engineering. For more information, please visit: http://www.afgbio.com
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 "believes," "expects,"
"potential," "plans," "suggests," "may," "should," "could," "intends," 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.
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.viragen.com
http://www.afgbio.com
Photo Notes:http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010426/HSTH018LOGO-b
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
CONTACT:
Douglas Calder, Director of Communications,
Viragen, Inc., +1-954-233-8746, or fax, +1-954-233-1414, or
dcalder@viragen.com
|
