Neugenesis and PATH Sign Collaboration Agreement to Develop an Influenza Vaccine Production System

Neugenesis Corporation today announced a collaboration with PATH to develop an influenza vaccine production system. Under the agreement, Neugenesis will conduct proof of concept work to demonstrate the utility of the NeuBIOS™ protein production platform for making seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccine.

Neugenesis has developed a proprietary method for rapid, high-level expression of recombinant, multivalent, influenza virus antigens from the transformed filamentous fungus, Neurospora crassa. The platform is rapid, scalable, inexpensive, and the system can be quickly upgraded with genes for new influenza variant antigens to produce new vaccines in weeks rather than months. The NeuBios platform will be used to make non-infectious, non-replicating virus-like particles (VLPs).

The production platform is ideally suited to PATH’s goal of developing new influenza vaccines that will be safe, effective, and affordable for distribution by public health systems in low-resource countries in a future pandemic. The emerging A/H1N1 pandemic further illustrates the need for rapid, cost-effective vaccine production accessible by low-income countries.

“PATH is delighted to be working with Neugenesis on this project in support of increasing the accessibility and affordability of influenza vaccines for people in low-income countries,” said Dr. Kathleen Neuzil, director of PATH's Influenza Vaccine Project.

“Neugenesis is extremely pleased to be chosen by PATH, and we are excited to work with them toward the goal of bringing affordable medicines to underserved global communities,” commented W. Dorsey Stuart, CEO and founder of Neugenesis. “This begins a partnership with PATH that we hope to continue beyond influenza. Importantly, it provides us with an opportunity to demonstrate our platform for vaccine production.”

About Neugenesis

Neugenesis Corporation is a privately held biotechnology company which has generated a diverse set of technology platforms for the world wide biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industry. In addition to its new position in vaccines, Neugenesis is also involved in development of technology for production of monoclonal antibodies for biodefense. The Company holds strong intellectual property positions in the areas of production of recombinant monoclonal antibodies, cell based gene-directed evolution, and cell based combinatorial biology.

Neugenesis is actively seeking partners in the biopharmaceutical industry to rapidly move the technology into the marketplace. For more information visit www.neugenesis.com.

About PATH

PATH is an international nonprofit organization that creates sustainable, culturally relevant solutions, enabling communities worldwide to break longstanding cycles of poor health. By collaborating with diverse public- and private-sector partners, PATH helps provide appropriate health technologies and vital strategies that change the way people think and act. PATH’s work improves global health and well-being. For more information visit www.path.org.