Non-profit Aeras, IDRI to work jointly on new TB vaccine | Albuquerque Express

Non-profit Aeras, IDRI to work jointly on new TB vaccine

Albuquerque Express Wednesday 9th May, 2012

• New Drug filing has been submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration

• First Phase I study of vaccine candidate planned for this year

• Current vaccine ineffective in controlling global TB epidemic

Rockville, Maryland - Aeras and the Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI) Wednesday entered a pact for jointly conducting development activities connected with Seattle based IDRI's novel tuberculosis vaccine candidate.

The two non-profit product development partnerships hope to use cutting-edge science to develop products that address critical diseases of underserved populations around the world, including tuberculosis.

"Tuberculosis is one of the most widespread, persistent and deadly global health problems," said Dr. Steven Reed, IDRI founder and Chief Scientific Officer.

"Given Aeras' focus and breadth of experience in supporting the clinical development of tuberculosis vaccines, we believe this collaboration will speed the development of this promising new vaccine," said Reed in a statement.

With funding from the Bill Melinda Gates Foundation, other private foundations, and governments, Aeras has invented or is supporting the development of six TB vaccine candidates, five of which are undergoing Phase I and Phase II clinical testing in Africa, Asia, North America and Europe.

Based in Rockville, Maryland, Aeras operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing and laboratory facility in the US and Cape Town, South Africa.

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