re: only 4 days to go till results.yosh
Seriously - this will explain why
Imugene avian influenza vaccine moves to final trial stages US poultry trials for the two avian influenza vaccine candidates on schedule for completion by late January 15 December 2006, Sydney, Australia: Imugene Limited (ASX:IMU) today confirmed the efficacy trials for its new avian influenza vaccine candidates for poultry had entered the final phases. The trial in poultry is being undertaken by Benchmark Biolabs Inc at its high level containment animal trial facilities in the United States. The trial commenced on schedule in late November 2006. Benchmark Biolabs has successfully completed the first phase of the trial validating the challenge model. The second and final phases in which chickens receive Imugene’s vaccine and are subsequently challenged with avian influenza virus has commenced. The expected trial completion date is mid to late January 2007. Interim results should be available shortly thereafter. Benchmark Biolabs is a specialist contract research provider with clinical trial facilities located in Nebraska. The clinical facility is an approved Animal and Laboratory Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory and trial facility making it one of the few locations worldwide that can undertake animal trials with infectious agents such as avian influenza. About Benchmark Biolabs Benchmark Biolabs Inc, based in Lincoln, Nebraska, is a privately held contract service provider serving the life sciences industry. Benchmark’s customers include traditional and non-traditional biologics firms seeking technology development in a compliant environment. Benchmark has developed particular capabilities for the application of creative scientific solutions to address product development needs along a defined regulatory pathway for conventional and novel technologies. More specific information regarding Benchmark Biolabs may be obtained by contacting Dr Tom Overbay, Director, Business Development at [email protected]. Benchmark Biolabs provides support to the animal health and life sciences industries by offering contracted services in the areas of laboratory services, clinical and pre-clinical studies, regulatory services and compliance and small-scale manufacturing. Benchmark also provides business development and general management services to those clients in emerging businesses. Benchmark’s staff of scientists and professionals has an outstanding track record for bringing leading edge technologies from concept to the laboratory to the marketplace. The National Center for Import and Export (NCIE) has approved Benchmark’s Nebraska clinical facility to the required Animal and Laboratory Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) status.
Page 2 of 3 NCIE requires BSL-3 status for research involving certain infectious agents, including avian influenza. For procedures involving manipulation of infectious materials scientists conduct procedures within biological safety cabinets or other containment devices. Personnel wear protective clothing and equipment, and the laboratory includes special engineering and design features to ensure microorganisms are contained within the facility. According to Dr Tom Overbay, Director, Business Development, “The BSL-3 approval recognises Benchmark has the facilities, personnel and procedures to work safely with and contain pathogenic agents.” There are very few BSL-3 approved facilities within North America, a deficit which has impeded research efforts aimed at addressing important infectious disease threats, including avian influenza. About Imugene Imugene specialises in commercialising animal health products for production animals including pigs and poultry. Imugene owns the worldwide rights to the Fowl Adenoviral Vector Delivery System for poultry and the Porcine Adenoviral Vector Delivery System for pigs. Imugene has successfully licensed the first product based on the Fowl Adenoviral Vector Delivery System – the Poultry Productivity Enhancer. Imugene's poultry and pig portfolio is targeting a worldwide US$3 billion annual market with four lead vaccine products under development and a strong product pipeline. Consumer demands for disease free and residue free food will bolster Imugene's prospects. Imugene's products safely prevent disease and reduce or eliminate antibiotics and harmful chemicals in animals. Animal antibiotics and chemicals in the human food chain have been linked to the emergence of dangerous resistant bacteria in people and food residues. For more information please visit the Imugene Website www.imugene.com For more information: Dr Warwick Lamb Mr Graham Dowland Mr Rudi Michelson Managing Director Executive Chairman Monsoon Communications +61 2 9870 7330 +61 8 9440 2660 +61 3 9620 3333
IMU Price at posting:
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