ImmunoVaccine Technologies patents DepoVax vaccine platform

Vaccine development company ImmunoVaccine Technologies (IVT), based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, has developed DepoVax, a novel depot vaccine delivery system used to increase the efficacy and strength of vaccines. IVT has filed additional patents to protect the DepoVax concept.

DepoVax vaccines can be manufactured in large batches, and are well suited for large-scale distribution and long-term storage. The vaccines are packaged and stored in a dry form, ensuring the stability of antigens that can otherwise be unstable in aqueous formulations. They are also easy to administer by healthcare practitioners, an important consideration for immunisation programmes targeting infectious diseases in a population.

DepoVax has been tested in pandemic influenza and therapeutic cancer models. The research shows the vaccines deliver effective, long-lasting results with only one dose.

"DepoVax is superior to conventional vaccine formulations in its ability to raise strong cellular and humoral immune responses to a variety of antigens," said Marc Mansour, vice president of research and development at IVT.

"An effective and easy-to-administer DepoVax vaccine would be a valuable tool for health authorities dealing with a pandemic and we are planning to take this into the clinic as soon as possible," added Randal Chase, president and ceo of IVT.