Study shows that Isconova´s Matrix-M is an excellent pandemic influenza vaccine candidate

Uppsala, Sweden, November 23 2009 - At a time like this, when the global society is under a pandemic influenza threat, the need for a safe, effective and antigen dose-sparing adjuvant becomes critical.

Isconova announced today that a group at the Influenza centre, the Gade Institute at University of Bergen shows much encouraging performance of a new vaccine adjuvant (Isconova´s Matrix M) in a pandemic (H5N1) influenza vaccine adjuvant study [1]. The Matrix-M adjuvant stimulates a strong immune response against influenza virus with a high quality antibody response that also neutralise related pandemic strains of influenza. In addition to the data retrieved in mice, an ongoing Phase I study in Bergen shows similar encouraging performance in man. The preliminary unpublished results from the human clinical trial shows that the Matrix-M adjuvanted H5N1 vaccine induce high numbers of antibody producing cells and high frequency of multifunctional CD4+ Th1 cells, even at a low dose of antigen. The presence of multifunctional T cells has been described as indicative for protective T cell responses. Lena Söderström, Chief Executive Officer of Isconova commented: “The dose-sparing characteristics of Isconova´s Matrix M, its safety profile and level of efficacy makes this state-of-the-art adjuvant an excellent candidate for modern vaccine formulations which can meet the challenges of future pandemic influenza threats. We are very excited about these results”. [1]. Madhun A. S., Haaheim L. R., Nilsen M.V., Cox R. J. (2009 dec.) Intramuscular Matrix-M-adjuvanted virosomal H5N1 vaccine induces high frequencies of multifunctional Th1 CD4(+) cells and strong antibody responses in mice, Vaccine , In Press

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