How to resolve AdBlock issue? Appili Therapeutics Licenses BioTerrorism Vaccine Rights
“If an adversary finds a way to make Francisella tularensis resistant to antibiotics and uses it as an aerosolized bioweapon, the results could be devastating,” continued Mr. McBride. “We are proud to be a part of the team working to advance a vaccine to protect civilians and military personnel in the event of an attack.”
ATI-1701 is based on research led by Dr. Wayne Conlan at the NRC. Dr. Conlan’s team used genetic engineering to disable a previously virulent strain of F. tularensis and develop a live attenuated vaccine. Their research showed the genetically modified bacterium induced a strong immune response that triggers a protective immune response to F. tularensis.
“It is very rewarding to see our team’s research on this vaccine progress from our labs to the next stage of development. We are delighted to partner with Appili on this important program designed to protect the health of Canadians exposed to bioterror threats,” said Dr. Conlan.
Some of the development work for the vaccine is being funded by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), part of the U.S. Department of Defense, which recently announced a $6.2 million, 5-year program to develop a tularemia vaccine. Appili will conduct the preclinical and clinical testing required by the FDA to evaluate the safety of the ATI-1701 vaccine and to ensure it offers the desired protection against the bacteria for humans. These pivotal studies could support the regulatory approval of the vaccine under the FDA Animal Rule.
The license agreement with the NRC grants Appili exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize this tularemia vaccine. “This continues to build out our portfolio of products that have dual civilian and military defensive applications,” said Kevin Sullivan, CEO of Appili Therapeutics. “We will continue to identify partnering opportunities to work with defense departments around the world to develop infectious disease solutions for unmet needs in the military and civilian populations alike.”