MycoLogics, Inc. Moves Closer Towards the Discovery of an Apergillus fumigatus Vaccine
MycoLogics, Inc., an innovative biotechnology company specializing in the development of novel antifungal drugs and therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines against human fungal and parasitic pathogens, today announced award of a Phase I SBIR grant by the Department of Health and Human Services to derive a novel vaccine against Aspergillus fumigatus
DENVER, CO (PRWEB) March 14, 2004 --MycoLogics, Inc., an innovative biotechnology company specializing in the development of novel antifungal drugs and therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines against human fungal and parasitic pathogens, today announced award of a Phase I SBIR grant by the Department of Health and Human Services to derive a novel vaccine against Aspergillus fumigatus, a ubiquitous spore-bearing fungus that causes multiple diseases in humans. These diseases include allergic asthma, aspergillomas, and invasive pulmonary disease of those with predisposing underlying conditions.
Although aspergillosis-related hospitalizations account for a small percentage of hospitalizations in the United States, patients hospitalized with the condition have lengthy hospital stays and high mortality rates. The high mortality rates, in some instances over 85%, are due in part to the lack of sensitive diagnostic tests, as well as the lack of effective anti-fungal therapeutics.
MycoLogics, Inc. is utilizing a vaccine delivery system that is novel, very low in cost, highly flexible, and able to accommodate potential cocktails; this a possibility not readily available to other current vaccine projects. Collaboratoring on the project is the California Institute for Medical Research.
In certain patient populations mortality of aspergillosis approaches 85%, a vaccine that increases immune response, even in immunocompromised individuals, will be of significant benefit. This Phase I SBIR grant will allow us to begin the development of a vaccine to treat or prevent this very dangerous fungal infection," said Dr. Claude P. Selitrennikoff, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of MycoLogics, Inc.
About MycoLogics, Inc.
MycoLogics, Inc. is an innovative biotechnology company specializing in the development of novel antifungal drugs and therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines against human fungal and parasitic pathogens, the discovery and isolation of novel antifungal compounds for therapeutic use, and the development of novel high throughput assays that target components of fungal cell walls. MycoLogics, Inc. is headquartered in Aurora, CO at the Fitzsimmons Colorado Bioscience Park. For more information please visit www.mycologics.com.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Dr. Claude P. Selitrennikoff, Ph.D.
President and CEO
MycoLogics, Inc.
Colorado Bioscience Park
12635 East Montview Blvd., Suite 131
Aurora, CO 80010
Tel: (303) 724-1250
Fax: (303) 724-0861
claude.selitrennikoff@uchsc.edu
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