�Intercell AG (VSE: ICLL)
announced that its collaborator Merck & Co., Inc. has initiated a Phase II
clinical trial of V710, an investigational vaccine for the prevention of
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infections. This randomized double blind,
placebo controlled study aims to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of
the vaccinum candidate in patients with end-stage kidney disease on
hemodialysis. This trial commence follows the initiation of a come apart Phase
II trial in December 2007.
Gerd Zettlmeissl, CEO of Intercell, commented "We ar very pleased that
our strategic pardner Merck has chosen to initiate a further Phase II
clinical trial. We look ahead to continued progress of the plan
building on clinical data obtained so far."
The S. aureus vaccine prospect is based on a conserved protein antigen
observed by Intercell and commissioned to Merck & Co., Inc. in 2004 on an
exclusive worldwide footing. Merck is responsible for clinical development,
manufacturing and marketing. Intercell is eligible to get milestone
payments and royalties on future net gross revenue. In Phase I clinical trials the
S. aureus candidate vaccine was shown to be immunogenic and generally well
tolerated.
Hospital-acquired Infections
Hospital-acquired infections caused by bacteria ar one of the major
causes of death and serious sickness. Intercell has embarked on a large
scale, comprehensive and multi-target antigen designation program to
contribute to vaccine efforts in this field. Besides Merck's S. aureus
vaccinum, based on an antigen identified by Intercell, Intercell is
development a vaccine against hospital-acquired infections caused by
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Phase II/III trial is expected to be initiated in
2008) and a Pneumococcus vaccine (Phase I trials planned for end 2008).
Furthermore Intercell has ongoing pre-clinical programs for Enterococcus
and Klebsiella vaccine discovery.
About S. aureus
S. aureus is the to the highest degree frequent case of hospital-acquired infections.
In addition to bloodstream infections with a mortality rate of up to 35%,
infections of bone, meat and other inner organs are ahead to serious
health complications, death and economic load. Today, some 50%
of S. aureus strains isolated in hospitals worldwide are resistant to
multiple antibiotics, rendering staphylococcal disease management
increasingly hard and intriguing. Hospital-acquired infections are
1 of the major causes of death and serious illness world-wide, resulting
in an annual burden of more than USD 20 billion in the developed world. In
the United States alone, about iI million patients become infected
annually piece receiving health care in hospitals.
About Intercell AG
Intercell AG is a ontogeny biotechnology society which focuses on the
design and development of novel vaccines for the prevention and treatment
of infectious diseases with satisfying unmet aesculapian need. The Company
develops antigens and adjuvants which are derived from its proprietary
technology platforms and has in-house GMP fabrication capabilities. Based
on these technologies, Intercell has strategic partnerships with a number
of orbicular pharmaceutical companies, including Novartis, Merck & Co., Inc.,
Wyeth, Sanofi Pasteur, Kirin, and the Statens Serum Institut.
The Company's star product, a prophylactic vaccine against Japanese
Encephalitis, successfully concluded polar Phase III clinical trials in
2006 and is currently in the process of market approval in the US, Europe,
Australia and Canada. Market favorable reception in the US, Europe and Australia is
expected for the second half of 2008.
The company's broad development pipeline includes a Travelers' Diarrhea
vaccine (patch) in Phase II (start of Phase III expected in 2009), a
Pseudomonas vaccine in Phase II, as well as an immunostimulant vaccine
plot of land in pandemic Flu, a partnered S. aureus vaccine in Phase II and five
products focused on infectious diseases in preclinical development.
Intercell is listed on the Vienna malcolm stock exchange under the symbol
"ICLL".
For more information please visit: http://www.intercell.com
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain
forward-looking statements concerning Intercell AG and its business. Such
statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
factors which could case the actual results, fiscal condition,
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