NasVax Ltd. (TASE: NSVX) reports positive interim results in the Phase I/IIa clinical trial for its improved influenza vaccine.
NasVax is developing i biopharmaceutical products to improve the effectiveness or administration of vaccines. The company applies its platform technology to create adjuvant agents, which enhance the response of the body's immune system to vaccines, and produces needle-free, intranasal vaccine delivery vehicles.
In the present trial, a single does of the vaccine was applied by injection, with the aim of testing the vaccine's effectiveness and safety. No side effects were seen, except for transient phenomena at the site of the injection.
Final positive results will enable NasVax to proceed to a trial to test the vaccine on an elderly population, on whom the vaccine is expected to produce the greatest benefit. Current flu vaccines are ineffective for many elderly persons at the dosages considered safe for them. In the present trial, especially positive results were seen in recipients aged 60-75, in the quantity and lifespan of the flu antibodies compared with regular vaccines.
The trial also showed that commercial vaccines can still be effective in lower dosages when combined with the NasVax adjuvant.
NasVax's initial goal when it listed on the TASE was the development of an intranasal vaccine, but this product will take longer to develop than the injectable vaccine, which the company is now focusing on.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on August 10, 2008
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