Pasteur Merieux Connaught Plans Phase II for Adjumer(TM)Flu Vaccine

    CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Virus Research Institute, Inc.
(Nasdaq: VRII) and Pasteur Merieux Connaught announced today the successful
completion of a Phase I study of an influenza vaccine formulated with
Adjumer(TM), VRI's proprietary delivery system for injected vaccines. The
results showed that the vaccine was well tolerated and elicited improved
immune responses in the vaccinated patients.  Based on these findings, Pasteur
Merieux Connaught plans to initiate a Phase II study of the Adjumer(TM)--
formulated  influenza vaccine later this year.
    "Pasteur Merieux Connaught is very encouraged by the results from the
Phase I study with Adjumer(TM)--formulated influenza vaccine," said Jean-
Jacques Bertrand, Chairman and CEO of Pasteur Merieux Connaught.  "We look
forward to pursuing the development of this much improved influenza vaccine
product which we expect, upon successful completion of clinical development,
to expand the market and bring improved health benefits to a broader segment
of the population."
    The Phase I trial conducted in France by Pasteur Merieux Connaught was
designed to measure the safety and level of immune response of an influenza
vaccine formulated with Adjumer(TM).  A total of 48 young and 41 elderly
adults were given single injections of either an influenza vaccine formulated
with Adjumer(TM), or the same vaccine without Adjumer(TM).  A range of
Adjumer(TM) concentrations were tested, with improved immune responses
observed for each dosage level. Side effects were minimal, transient and
comparable to those observed in the control group.
    "We are very pleased with the results obtained in this first human study
of an Adjumer(TM)formulated vaccine," said Barrie Ward, Chairman and CEO of
VRI.  "The trial data provide an early indication of the safety and utility of
Adjumer(TM) and  based on the results, we look forward to the initiation of a
Phase II study this year, and extending the clinical development of
Adjumer(TM) in other injectable vaccines."
    Influenza is a highly contagious virus which each year infects large
numbers of people throughout the world.  This infection and its complications
account for an average of 20,000 deaths annually in the United States, greater
than 80 percent of which are estimated to occur in the elderly.
    The mission of Pasteur Merieux Connaught is to contribute, as the world
leader in vaccines, to the protection and improvement of human health by
creating superior immunological products for the prevention and treatment of
infectious disease and cancers.
    Pasteur Merieux Connaught (Rhone-Poulenc Group) is the new trade name of
PASTEUR MERIEUX Serum et Vaccins SA (headquarters: Lyon, France) and all its
subsidiaries worldwide, including Connaught Laboratories which operates in
North America.
    Virus Research Institute, Inc. is engaged in the discovery and development
of vaccine delivery systems and novel vaccines .  The Company is developing a
portfolio of proprietary vaccine delivery systems designed to improve the
efficacy, lower the cost of administration and improve patient compliance for
a variety of vaccine products.  The Company and its collaborators are
currently applying these delivery systems to the development of vaccines for
the prevention of Lyme disease and H. pylori infections, in addition to
influenza.  The Company is developing its own proprietary vaccines for
rotavirus and genital herpes.
    This press release includes some forward-looking statements based on
management's current expectations.  Such statements are made in reliance upon
the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995 and are subject to certain factors that could cause future results to
differ materially from such expectations including, but not limited to: the
timing of the initiation of the Phase II clinical trial, the scope and results
of preclinical and clinical testing, changes in existing and potential
relationships with corporate collaborators, the time and cost in obtaining
regulatory approvals, proprietary rights and licenses, the ability to secure
future funding, the competitive environment and market conditions in the
Company's industry.

Link to this page: