NEW ORLEANS & ROCHESTER, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MiniVax, Inc. (New Orleans, LA) and the University of Rochester (Rochester, NY) announce that they have entered into an exclusive option agreement with agreed licensing terms to develop a monoclonal antibody for the treatment of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). The antibody of interest is a product of research conducted at the University of Rochester. PCP is a life-threatening, fungal respiratory infection that affects patients with weakened immune systems such as those suffering from HIV/AIDS, receiving organ transplants, and undergoing chemotherapy.
The research work at the University of Rochester has been conducted by Dr. Frank Gigliotti in collaboration with Drs. Terry Wright and Constantine Haidaris. The antibody has been well characterized with proof-of-principle established in animals and composition of matter and use patents filed.
Dr. Kris Fisher, Chief Scientific Officer of MiniVax, will lead the development of the program through the remainder of pre-clinical development and into human clinical trials.
Dr. Fisher stated, “This option agreement represents a unique opportunity to leverage the scientific expertise of two leading institutions, and promises to advance the development of biological therapeutics against fungal infections, in particular Pneumocystis pneumonia.”
Sue Preston and Dr. Martin Preuveneers, Co-Presidents of MiniVax, stated, “We are very pleased with this significant milestone for MiniVax. This is an important academic collaboration with a private company for the development of a monoclonal antibody treatment for Pneumocystis pneumonia.”
Matan Rapoport, Licensing Manager with UR Ventures at the University of Rochester, stated, “We are thrilled to enter into this option agreement with the MiniVax team as we are confident in their ability to advance this discovery. As always, the University of Rochester strives to transfer its innovative ideas to industry for further development into products that make a difference in people’s lives.”
About MiniVax
MiniVax is a New Orleans, LA based company that specializes in the research and development of novel treatments for opportunistic infections. MiniVax’s lead product is a monoclonal antibody therapeutic against the fungal infection Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). PCP predominately affects immunocompromised patients, such as those suffering from HIV/AIDS, receiving organ transplants, and undergoing chemotherapy.
For additional information, visit www.minivaxcorp.com.
About UR Ventures at the University of Rochester
UR Ventures is responsible for technology commercialization at the University of Rochester. Our mission is to develop UR innovations into valuable products and services to make the world ever better. Embodying the University’s motto of “Meliora!” (“Ever Better!”), we are committed to making the next generation of life-enhancing innovations from our world-class researchers’ laboratories available for the benefit of society.
For additional information, visit www.rochester.edu/ventures.
