Medigene presents preclinical AAVLP data at the World Vaccine Congress

10 april 2012 MediGene AG / Medigene presents preclinical AAVLP data at the World Vaccine Congress . Processed and transmitted by Thomson Reuters ONE. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Martinsried/Munich, April 10, 2012. The biotech company MediGene AG (Frankfurt, Prime Standard) announces that preclinical data from its AAVLP vaccine technology, generated by researchers at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA, will be presented tomorrow at the World Vaccine Congress 2012 in Washington DC, US. The data show that vaccination of mice with an AAVLP vaccine carrying HPV L2 epitopes at two surface sites induces cross-neutralizing antibodies active against several HPV types, and provides stable protection against vaginal HPV challenge over three months when using a clinically relevant adjuvant. The poster entitled "Development of a broadly protective Human papillomavirus vaccine using AAVLP display technology" (poster No 18) will be available in the Poster Area of the Congress at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center, Washington DC, US, from April 11 - April 12, 2012. Additional preclinical studies will be conducted with Medigene's AAVLP vaccine technology. About AAVLP: Adeno-associated virus-like particles offer potential as prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines against cancer and infections, for example. The idea of using adeno-associated viruses (AAV) as a vaccine was developed in Medigene's laboratories. The adeno-associated virus is non- pathogenic, i.e. it does not cause disease. The virus protein shell, the capsid, is suited for the production of so-called virus-like particles (VLP), which can be used as a basis for novel vaccines. Medigene holds an extensive IP portfolio regarding the AAVLP technology. By inserting short antigenic peptides (B-cell epitopes) into the AAV capsid, a highly specific antibody reaction against selected target molecules can be induced. These antibodies can protect the body from disease (i.e. have a prophylactic effect) or act as a therapy against existing diseases. Medigene is currently conducting research into the application of AAVLP technology for the treatment of cancer and viral infections, and is examining the possibility of using AAV libraries to systematically identify suitable vaccine candidates. The key benefit of this innovative technology is the possibility of transferring the mode of action of existing therapeutic antibodies directly into a vaccine. In preclinical studies, AAVLP-based vaccines have shown promising data. This approach constitutes an interesting alternative to conventional vaccines and may also significantly widen the range of applications for vaccines against cancer and other diseases. About HPV: Human papillomaviruses are a group of very common viruses which infect the epithelium of the skin and various mucous membranes and may cause tumor-like growth. They are primarily sexually transmitted. Depending on the HPV type, the health effects of infection vary considerably. Some particularly aggressive HPV types may cause malignant changes, e.g. cervical cancer. This press release contains forward-looking statements representing the opinion of Medigene as of the date of this release. The actual results achieved by Medigene may differ significantly from the forward-looking statements made herein. Medigene is not bound to update any of these forward-looking statements. Medigene(®) is a registered trademark of MediGene AG. This trademark may be owned or licensed in select locations only. - ends - MediGene AG is a publicly listed (Frankfurt: MDG, prime standard) biotechnology company headquartered in Martinsried/Munich, Germany. Medigene focuses on clinical research and development of novel drugs against cancer and autoimmune diseases. Medigene is the first German biotech company to have revenues from marketed products, which are distributed by partner companies. It has two drug candidates in clinical trials and is developing an innovative vaccine technology. Contact MediGene AG Julia Hofmann, Kerstin Langlotz Investor & Public Relations Tel.: +49 - 89 - 85 65 - 33 01 Fax: +49 - 89 - 85 65 - 29 20 Email: investor@medigene.com To unsubscribe from the press release distribution list, please go to www.medigene.com/unsubscribe. press release as pdf: http://hugin.info/132073/R/1601014/505443.pdf This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of Thomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that: (i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and (ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: MediGene AG via Thomson Reuters ONE [HUG#1601014]