Issued Claims Cover High Yield Production Process of Phase 2 Antiviral
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Vaxart, Inc. (NASDAQ: VXRT) a clinical stage biotechnology company
developing oral recombinant vaccines administered by tablet rather than
by injection, today announced that the United States Patent and
Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a notice of allowance for claims
related to the Company's novel manufacturing process for producing
hydrazine, a key intermediate in the preparation of teslexivir (BTA074).
The new patent, titled "Method for the Synthesis of a Hydrazine that can
be Used in the Treatment of the Papilloma Virus," will provide broad
protection around the method of synthesis of teslexivir, which allows
for greater efficiency and yield in the manufacturing process.
"This latest patent is an important addition to our current intellectual
property portfolio and its issuance further solidifies the protection
around the manufacturing process of our teslexivir program," said Wouter
Latour, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Vaxart.
"Following the successful completion of our merger with Aviragen, we
look forward to continuing to establish Vaxart as a leader in antiviral
development, and we are on track to report top-line data from the
ongoing Phase 2 trial of teslexivir in the second quarter of 2018."
Teslexivir is a topical antiviral agent that is a potent and selective
inhibitor of the interaction between two essential viral proteins, E1
and E2, an interaction that is a necessary step for human papillomavirus
(HPV) types 6 and 11 DNA replication and thus viral production. HPV
types 6 and 11 are responsible for more than 90 percent of anogenital
condyloma.
About Condyloma (Anogenital Warts)
Condyloma infections from HPV represent the most frequent viral sexually
transmitted disease in adults worldwide. In the United States,
approximately one to two percent of sexually active adults between the
ages of 15 to 49 develop condyloma as the primary clinical manifestation
of HPV infection. Currently available treatments for anogenital warts
typically are divided into two categories, ablative/destructive
therapies and topical therapies. Existing topical therapies are
associated with significant mucosal toxicities manifesting as erosions
and ulcerations, which can result in therapy discontinuation. Ablative
options can be painful and scarring, and can lead to sexual dysfunction.
Another significant limitation with current therapies is a high
incidence of recurrence after successful primary treatment.
About Vaxart
Vaxart is a clinical-stage company focused on developing recombinant
protein vaccines based on its proprietary oral vaccine platform and
direct-acting antivirals to treat infections that have limited
therapeutic options. Vaxart's oral vaccines are designed to generate
broad and durable immune responses that protect against a wide range of
infectious diseases and may be useful for the treatment of chronic viral
infections and cancer. Vaxart's oral vaccines are administered using a
convenient room temperature-stable tablet, rather than by injection.
Vaxart believes that tablet vaccines are easier to distribute and
administer than injectable vaccines, and have the potential to
significantly increase vaccination rates. Vaxart's development programs
include oral tablet vaccines that are designed to protect against
norovirus, seasonal influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as
well as a therapeutic vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV). Through
the recent merger with Aviragen, Vaxart also acquired antiviral drug
candidates, including teslexivir (BTA074), an antiviral treatment for
condyloma caused by HPV types 6 and 11. For more information, please
visit www.vaxart.com.
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve
substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than
statements of historical facts, included in this press release regarding
our strategy, prospects, plans and objectives, beliefs and expectations
of management are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking
statements may be accompanied by such words as "believe," "could,"
"potential" and other words and terms of similar meaning. Examples of
such statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to
the Vaxart's ability to develop and protect its intellectual property
portfolio, as well as the anticipated timing of value creating events.
Vaxart may not actually achieve the plans, carry out the intentions or
meet the expectations or projections disclosed in our forward-looking
statements and you should not place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ
materially from the plans, intentions, expectations and projections
disclosed in the forward-looking statements. Various important factors
could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the
forward-looking statements that Vaxart makes, that Vaxart's product
candidates may not be approved by the FDA or non-U.S. regulatory
authorities; that, even if approved by the FDA or non-U.S. regulatory
authorities, Vaxart's product candidates may not achieve broad market
acceptance; and the risks described in the "Risk Factors" sections of
the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-222009) and of
Vaxart's periodic reports filed with the SEC. Vaxart does not assume any
obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required
by law.
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W2O
Katie Hogan, 415-658-9745
khogan@wcgworld.com
or
Stern
Investor Relations
Carl Mauch, 212-362-1200
vaxart@sternir.com
Source: Vaxart, Inc.
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