Immunitor to collaborate with Russian biotech giant Vector

Thai-US vaccine company, Immunitor Corporation, to cooperate with VECTOR -- the State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology, of the Russian Federation's Ministry of Health, Koltsovo, Siberia, Russia.

Bangkok, November 18, 2003 -- Privately held, Thai-US vaccine company, Immunitor Corporation, exchanged letters of intent with VECTOR -- the State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology, Russian Federation Ministry of Health, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk region, Russia.

Both parties have expressed interest in joint development of orally delivered vaccines for a variety of viral diseases. This initiative originates from ongoing collaboration between Russian and Thai scientists in developing the new generation of smallpox vaccines as part of the international effort against bioterrorism. In addition to these goals other infectious diseases of concern to the public health will be investigated. The immediate targets of particular interest to both companies are HIV/AIDS, malaria, TB, and SARS. Vector has recently developed a laboratory diagnostic kit for SARS, which was based on the public database of coronaviruses genome sequence and will be capable to rapidly expand virus production on a commercial scale to satisfy needs for inactivated vaccine manufacture. Pursuant to the aims of letters of intent the plan for setting up a vaccine plant in Siberia is currently being discussed as the possible logical outcome of this partnership.

Russian governments State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR also known as Vector was established in 1974 (www.vector.nsc.ru). Vector has been pursuing various basic and applied research activities aimed at the development and manufacture of novel therapeutic, diagnostic, and vaccinal preparations against virus diseases. Professor Lev S. Sandakhchiev, the Director General of Vector, noted that 'Considering the synergistic interest in this area and ongoing collaboration between Vector and Immunitor researchers this project will have significant impact on the future of vaccine industry and global health crisis. We have been working on mucosal immunization approach ourselves and the technology developed by Immunitor is promising as simple but effective means of vaccine delivery.

Immunitor Corporation is the first private, biotech company formed in Thailand. As opposed to standard injectable vaccines, inactivated or 'killed oral vaccines developed by Immunitor have distinct advantages: (1) unparalleled safety and efficacy; (2) simplicity of administration; (3) unprecedented stability and long shelf-life without need for refrigerated storage; (4) no need for syringes and no risk of being infected with contaminated needles; (5) no specially trained medical personnel to carry on vaccination campaigns; and (6) large quantities of desired vaccine can be manufactured at low cost. Mr. Vichai Jirathitikal, the Chairman of Immunitor, said on this occasion 'I am very excited to have Vector as our partner. Vectors expertise in recombinant vaccine technology and in-depth knowledge of biodefense-related projects is a tremendous asset to our company. Together, we can develop affordable and safe vaccines against major infectious diseases that plague developing countries such as in Africa and Asia. I am looking forward to long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationship.

For further information contact info@immunitor.com