DNA-Based Vaccine for Cytomegalovirus

A DNA-based vaccine against cytomegalovirus (CMV) is under development by Vical, Inc. (San Diego, CA, USA). The company anticipates initiating human phase 1 clinical testing by the end of 2003.

The company's immunotherapeutic vaccine program is based on CMV genes that encode highly immunogenic proteins associated with protective antibody and cellular immune responses, and vaccine technologies that can induce a potent cellular immune response against target pathogens as well as trigger production of antibodies.

The initial indication will be for those at greatest risk of serious complications from CMV infection: patients undergoing bone marrow or solid organ transplantation. Future development could lead to a vaccine for other high-risk groups such as immunocompromised individuals and women of reproductive age, said the company.

"The unmet medical need in pregnant women at risk for CMV infection and the need for controlling viral transmission in the general population may allow substantial product expansion in the years ahead,” said Vijay Samant, president and CEO of Vical. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or even a late-stage vaccine development program for CMV.




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