PINE BROOK, N.J., Sept. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Elusys Therapeutics, Inc.
(Elusys), a privately held biopharmaceutical company developing
antibody-based therapies for the treatment of life-threatening infectious
diseases, today announced it has been awarded a contract for $12 million
for advanced development of Anthim(TM), the company's late-stage anthrax
therapeutic. This project has been funded in whole or in part with Federal
funds from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease,
National Institutes of Health and the Biomedical Advanced Research and
Development Authority, Department of Health and Human Services, under
Contract No. HHSN272200700035C. To date, Elusys has received more than $32
million from NIAID/BARDA and the Department of Defense in support of Anthim
and the company's Heteropolymer Antibody(TM) technology.
Elizabeth Posillico, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of
Elusys, commented on the award, "Elusys is encouraged by the continued
support from the U.S. Government and we look forward to extending our
collaboration with NIAID/BARDA. We are confident that Elusys has developed
a highly effective and valuable anthrax therapeutic for procurement under
Project BioShield for addition to the U.S. Government's Strategic National
Stockpile."
Dr. Posillico continued, "Inhalation of anthrax spores rapidly leads to
death if patients are not treated immediately with specific antibiotics.
Typically, victims of inhalation anthrax experience only vague symptoms
until it is too late, when they are in toxemia, leaving antibiotics largely
ineffective. Anthrax vaccines are also ineffective unless victims are
immunized well in advance of exposure. Anthim represents a 'just in time
anthrax therapeutic,' that in relevant models has demonstrated complete
protection against an anthrax spore challenge with a single prophylactic
dose, and has shown significant protection when administered up to two days
after a lethal spore challenge, with or without an antibiotic."
Anthim(TM) Background
Anthim is high affinity monoclonal antibody that targets the protective
antigen component of anthrax infection, blocking the bacteria's ability to
form deadly toxins. It is being developed for prophylaxis and post-exposure
treatment of inhalation anthrax. Anthim has been granted Fast Track status
and Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA and is being developed under the FDA
Animal Rule, a regulatory process specifically designed for the development
of medical countermeasures to bioterror threats. In April of 2007, Anthim
was selected to R&D Directions' list of "100 Great Investigational Drugs.
About Elusys' Heteropolymer Antibody(TM) Technology
HP Antibodies represent a new approach for the treatment of antibiotic
resistant infections distinct from traditional therapies. HP Antibodies
utilize natural immune system mechanisms to clear pathogens and provide a
means to develop novel drug candidates targeted against bacterial, viral
and fungal infections. By targeting a unique immune receptor, HP Antibodies
enhance a natural clearance mechanism and direct the rapid removal of
pathogens from the circulation to tissue macrophages. Elusys is currently
working on novel approaches to the treatment of Staphylococcus and Candida
infections using HP antibodies.
About Elusys
Elusys is a privately held biopharmaceutical company focused on the
development of antibody-based therapeutics for the treatment of life-
threatening infectious disease. Current venture investors include Essex
Woodlands Health Ventures LLC, Invesco Private Capital, Crescendo Ventures,
MedImmune Ventures and Pfizer. For more information please visit
http://www.elusys.com.
SOURCE Elusys Therapeutics, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.elusys.com
CONTACT:
Bryan Murphy of LaVoie Group, +1-978-745-4200
ext. 105, bmurphy@lavoiegroup.com
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