Affiris Begins Development Of A Parkinson's Vaccine

AFFiRiS has started pre-clinical development
of
a ParkinsonВ№s vaccine. The vaccine, known as PD01, can be used to target a
specific protein that is closely associated with the causes of this
degenerative neurological disease. Excellent product candidates from
discovery studies have prompted the company to file a patent application
and
proceed immediately with development. Similarly positive results from
external assessments impelled the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG)
to provide considerable financial funding for the project. The vaccine is
based on the company's AFFITOME technology, which, among other things, has
already been used to develop two Alzheimer's vaccines, which are currently
both in phase I clinical testing.




AFFiRiS, based in Vienna, Austria, today announced the start of the
pre-clinical development of its first Parkinson's vaccine PD01. The
vaccine
will be investigated for efficacy ("proof of concept") in Parkinson
models.
On successful conclusion of this preclinical evaluation, initial clinical
testing could start in 2010/11. The Parkinson's vaccine specifically
targets
the alpha-synuclein (alpha-syn) protein, which is considered to be a key
contributory element in Parkinson's disease.



Although all details of the disease are not yet fully understood, there is
clear scientific evidence that the concentration and enrichment of
alpha-syn
in the brain are contributing factors in the progression of Parkinson's
disease. Therefore, reducing the alpha-syn burden in the brain should have
a
positive impact on the course of the disease - a hypothesis that was
recently confirmed by the results of U.S. researchers working on animal
models.



The Parkinson's vaccine from AFFiRiS has been developed to delivery
efficacy
in combination with an excellent safety profile, as Dr. Walter Schmidt,
CEO
of AFFiRiS, explains: "Alpha-syn is an attractive target for treating the
cause - not just the symptoms - of Parkinson's. However, it is important
to
bear in mind that alpha-syn is a human protein belonging to a family of
proteins with very similar structures like e.g. beta-syn, an essential
neuroprotective factor. Therefore, treatment to reduce alpha-syn must not
lead to the reduction of related proteins, such as beta-syn. Our AFFITOME
technology enables us to develop vaccines that induce antibody
specifically
targeting alpha-syn only."



Frank Mattner, Chief Scientific Officer at AFFiRiS, adds: "The great
potential offered by our AFFITOME technology has been confirmed by
external
experts, who appraised our development of a Parkinson's vaccine for the
Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG). Their assessment prompted the
FFG
to provide considerable financial support for this project."



The AFFITOME technology from AFFiRiS provides a means of targeting very
specific structures of human rogue proteins with patented product
candidates. AFFiRiS has already succeeded in developing two vaccines and a
hemodialysis program for the treatment of Alzheimer's. These therapies
only
target specific structures found on harmful fragments of beta-amyloid,
which
is said to be responsible for Alzheimer's. Both Alzheimer's vaccines are
currently being trialled on Alzheimer patients. In October, a licence
option
agreement worth up to EUR 430 million was concluded with GlaxoSmithKline
Biologicals for their further clinical development market launch and
sales.



About AFFiRiS GmbH (as at December 2008)


AFFiRiS GmbH develops peptide-based vaccines for the treatment of
Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis and other serious diseases. The
company
has established its AFFITOME platform technology. It employs 35 highly
qualified members of staff on 1,800sqm of rented laboratory facilities at
the Campus Vienna Biocenter (affiris). AFFITOME and
AFFITOPE
are registered trademarks of AFFiRiS GmbH.



About MIG-Fonds


The participation of MIG Verwaltungs AG in Affiris GmbH represents the
continuation of a tried-and-tested approach. Investment is only made in
selected companies in Germany and Austria after their viability has been
thoroughly audited. Their innovative, high-potential products and the
entrepreneurial skills of their management teams are both key. MIG
Verwaltungs AG is supported by Alfred Wieder AG. This specialist in
venture
capital is experienced in the sale of holdings and is therefore the first
point of contact for any potential investors.




PR&D - Public Relations for Research & Education

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