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Norovirus VLP Vaccines: LigoCyte’s norovirus vaccines have been developed using a virus-like particle (VLP) technology that mimics the surface configuration of the live virus without the ability to cause infection. The vaccines have been formulated for intranasal delivery to stimulate a robust mucosal and systemic immune response. LigoCyte has completed its first Phase I safety study of the vaccine, with additional studies ongoing. Read More
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Influenza VLP Vaccine
Seasonal: LigoCyte’s VLP technology is readily adaptable to creating VLP vaccines to protect against a number of infections caused by enveloped viruses such as influenza. Seasonal influenza vaccines, administered annually, contain antigens from three strains of influenza virus (influenza A/H1N1, A/H3N1, and influenza B). In preclinical experiments, a LigoCyte influenza VLP vaccine representing only the H1N1 strain provided protection against lethal levels of infection by not only the A/H1N1 strain, but also against the A/H3N2 strain. Remarkably, the H1N1 VLP vaccine also protected against lethal levels of infection by the most dangerous of the avian influenza strains, A/H5N1. This degree of “cross protection” is not typically associated with influenza vaccines, which is one of the reasons that annual immunizations are required to protect against subtle changes in the virus from year to year.
Pandemic: In addition to the need for a better seasonal influenza vaccine, there is a significant need for a vaccine that offers protection against the strains of “avian influenza” that are currently circulating throughout the world. These emerging avian influenza viruses have caused global conern as a potential pandemic threat. The cross-protective properties of LigoCyte’s influenza VLP vaccines are ideally suited to protect against strains of influenza that are yet to be identified, such as those associated with a future pandemic. In a virus challenge model, LigoCyte’s avian influenza VLP vaccine has demonstrated protection against multiple strains of avian influenza, a characteristic that is highly desirable in a vaccine that would be stockpiled by governments and provided to the public in the case of an pandemic. Read More
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Anthrax Vaccine: LigoCyte’s anthrax vaccine was developed as a dry powder nasal vaccine with a formulation similar to the company’s norovirus vaccine. The immune response induced by this vaccine has been shown to be extremely effective in preventing death due to anthrax exposure, even after only a single dose (in contrast to the currently licensed anthrax vaccine which requires six doses over an 18-month period). LigoCyte has been funded by the Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health to develop this product.
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Anti-CD103 Monoclonal Antibody (mAb): LigoCyte’s anti-CD103 program is focused on inhibiting the alpha-E beta-7 integrin (CD103). This molecule is associated with the retention of activated lymphocytes at sites in the body that are undergoing chronic inflammation in mucosal tissues. CD103 is thought to play a significant role in chronic diseases including inflammatory bowel disease, respiratory inflammation and autoimmune diseases. LigoCyte and Biogen Idec reached an agreement in September of 2007 to share co-development and co-commercialization rights to future products directed against this exciting target. Read More
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Anti-CD62 Monoclonal Antibody (mAb): LigoCyte’s anti-CD62 program is focused on inhibiting E- and L-selectin (CD62-E and CD62-L). The company has developed a series of humanized antibodies that recognize a unique epitope found on both molecular targets, but not on P-selectin which is associated with blood clotting. Antibodies to this unique target have been shown to inhibit neutrophil and monocyte recruitment in the lung, important drivers of respiratory inflammatory disease. The National Institutes of Health is supporting the preclinical development of the lead drug candidate for a reactive airway disease indication. Read More |
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