The first subject in the Phase I study of BioVex’s (www.biovex.com) live attenuated genital herpes vaccine, ImmunoVEX HSV2, has been dosed. The Phase I study is an open label ascending dose trial, assessing safety and immune response in healthy volunteers. The study, which is taking place at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London (UK), will involve up to 42 already identified subjects. The principle investigator is Dr Simon Barton.
“Developing an effective vaccine against genital herpes has historically proved challenging. ImmunoVEX is a rationally designed live attenuated vaccine specifically constructed to address the limitations of previous vaccines. We believe our vaccine is built on sound science, providing a solid basis upon which to anticipate success in the clinic. We look forward to evaluating the Phase I data in late 2010 and based on positive outcomes, moving ImmunoVEX into later stage efficacy trials soon thereafter,” said Dr Robert Coffin, Founder & CTO for BioVex.
Marian Nicholson, Director of the Herpes Viruses Association commented “We have been keeping an eye on the progress of ImmunoVEX HSV2 for a while and are looking forward to knowing if this vaccine shows promise in the clinic as a protection for people who have not caught the virus and potentially as a therapy for people with frequent outbreaks of herpes simplex type 2.
