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Protein Sciences Corporation News
Web Site:
http://www.proteinsciences.com
- Sanofi Pasteur Inc.
1000 Research Pkwy.,
Meriden, CT 06450
- 7159
Tel: (203) 686-0800
Fax: (203) 686-0268
Protein Sciences Corporation, founded in 1983, is a privately held vaccine company with headquarters in Meriden, Connecticut. PSC's mission is to save lives and improve health.
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Protein Sciences Gears Up to Combat Pandemic Influenza
March 26, 2017
In light of the growing concern over recent Avian Influenza outbreaks in China, Protein Sciences Corporation, maker of the highly effective Flublok� Influenza Vaccine, announced today that the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has requested the development of two new pandemic vaccine candidates to combat new H7N9 strains, one representing a pathogenic H7N9 virus. BARDA is a division of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The request for a vaccine candidate is made under the BARDA contract awarded to the Company in September as part of the Authority's medical countermeasures against pandemic influenza and influenza strains with pandemic potential (contract number HHSO100201600005I), with a value up to $610 million. Protein Sciences' recombinant technology is the only FDA approved platform that can produce influenza vaccines fast enough and without use of influenza virus in manufacturing to meet the needs of an emerging pandemic.A fifth wave of H7N9 with increasing numbers of infection is occurring in China. As of February 14, 2017, 1,223 cases of H7N9 with 380 fatalities have been reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). The emergence of a highly pathogenic version among newly identified H7N9 viruses in poultry is raising particular concern. WHO has recommended two new vaccine strains (one against low pathogenic and one against high pathogenic H7N9) for pandemic preparedness purposes.
"Our technology puts us in the unique position to deliver vaccine early," said Manon Cox, President and CEO of Protein Sciences. "Since our vaccines can be made from a genetic code and do not require handling of the pathogenic virus, production can be started 3-6 months earlier than manufacturers who have to wait for acceptable starting materials and safety clearance. Furthermore, we expect to have a very large increase in FDA approved production capacity for the manufacturing of pandemic vaccine available later this year. The ultimate goal is to have vaccine ready before the demand for healthcare service is at its peak during a pandemic. Egg-based manufacturing does not allow for that fast turnaround time."
Traditionally, egg-based vaccines are available 16-20 weeks after the declaration of a pandemic. Protein Sciences' technology allows for a highly effective recombinant vaccine to be available in approximately 12-16 weeks.
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