Improved anthrax vaccine: XstalBio collaborates with Avecia for further development and improved stability

XstalBio is collaborating with Avecia Biotechnology on a $3.9 m grant from the US Government for further development of ThraxineTM, its recombinant protective antigen (rPA) anthrax vaccine. The aim of this collaboration is to develop an improved version of rPA that can be stored, transported and used with no requirement for a conventional cold chain. As one of the collaborators on this programme, XstalBio’s proprietary protein-coated microcrystal technology (PCMC) is being utilised in the formulation of rPA.

The requirement for anthrax vaccine is being driven by the US Government to provide for emergency use in the event of an anthrax-based attack on the US civil population. This latest award from the US government to Avecia follows a $71 m contract awarded in September 2003 for ongoing development of an rPA-based vaccine.

The grant has been funded wholly with US Federal funds from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institute Heath (NIH), Department of Health and Health Services (HHS) under Grant No. 1UC 1 A1067223-01.

For further information please contact Dr Marie Claire Parker on Tel + 44 (0)208 515 0371

Notes for Editors:

rPA vaccine (ThraxineTM) is designed to induce immunity to infection from inhaled anthrax in a three-dose treatment cycle over several weeks. rPA (recombinant Protective Antigen) is a protein found in the anthrax bacterium and which is made in E coli using recombinant technology. The rPA is adsorbed onto an alum adjuvant before use. The anthrax bacterium is not present in the vaccine and anthrax cannot be caused by or contracted from the vaccine, its production process or any material associated with the process.