GeoVax Announces Peer-Reviewed Publication in NPJ Vaccines of Preclinical Data for Vaccine Candidate Against Sudan Ebolavirus Showing 100% Protection With a Single Immunization

Rhea-AI Summary

GeoVax Labs (GOVX) announced the publication of a peer-reviewed animal efficacy study for its MVA-VLP-SUDV vaccine against Sudan ebolavirus, published in Nature Partner Journals Vaccines. The study demonstrated that guinea pigs vaccinated with one or two doses generated strong immune responses, achieving 100% protection against SUDV post-exposure. The vaccine integrates live attenuated vector advantages with virus-like particle technology, facilitating emergency responses. The company aims to initiate nonhuman primate trials soon, further validating its vaccine platform.

Positive

• Published peer-reviewed study validates MVA-VLP-SUDV vaccine efficacy against Sudan ebolavirus.
• Guinea pigs showed 100% protection post-vaccination with one or two doses.
• Potential for single-dose emergency use vaccines reinforces GeoVax's market position.

Negative

• None.

ATLANTA, GA, July 28, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire – GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX), a biotechnology company developing human vaccines and immunotherapies against infectious diseases and cancer, announced today the publication of a peer-reviewed animal efficacy study of its modified vaccine Ankara (MVA) vectored vaccine against Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV). The study was published in Nature Partner Journals (NPJ) Vaccines.

GeoVax’s vaccine, MVA-VLP-SUDV, combines the advantages of the immunogenicity of a live attenuated vaccine vector with the authentic conformation of virus-like particles (VLPs). The vaccine expresses minimal components to generate self-assembling VLPs in the vaccinee: the envelope glycoprotein GP and the matrix protein VP40. Guinea pigs vaccinated with one dose of MVA-VLP-SUDV generated SUDV-specific binding and neutralizing antibody responses as well as Fc-mediated protective effects. These responses were boosted by a second vaccine dose. All vaccinated animals which received either one or two vaccine doses were protected from death and disease symptoms following challenge with a lethal dose of SUDV. These data demonstrate single dose protection and potency of the MVA-VLP platform for use in emergency situations to contain outbreaks.

Mark J. Newman, PhD, GeoVax Chief Scientific Officer, commented, “The GeoVax MVA-VLP platform allows for the design of vaccines to present the immune system with multiple viral proteins in the conformation that mimics the actual virus. The resulting immune responses are broadly functional, involving both the antibody and T-cell effector function, resulting in optimal levels of efficacy, even with a single dose. These are ideal properties for vaccines that will support use in the general population. The next stage of testing involving nonhuman primates is nearing completion and we eagerly await those data.”

David Dodd, GeoVax Chairman and CEO commented, “This publication further validates the broad utility and benefit of the GeoVax MVA-VLP approach towards providing single-dose, highly efficacious vaccines against major infectious health challenges worldwide. Previously, our vaccine against the Zaire ebolavirus demonstrated 100% protection, single-dose protection in a non-human primate model. Adding the Sudan ebolavirus to our vaccine portfolio against hemorrhagic fever virus threats well positions GeoVax for achieving a leadership position in this critical area of healthcare prevention. We look forward to providing further updates on our progress in this area.”

About GeoVax

GeoVax Labs, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing human vaccines and immunotherapies against infectious diseases and cancer using novel proprietary platforms. GeoVax’s product pipeline includes two ongoing Phase 2 clinical trials of GEO-CM04S1 for COVID-19 as a universal booster vaccine to mRNA vaccines authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and as a primary vaccine for use in immunocompromised patients. In addition to GEO-CM04S1 for COVID-19, GeoVax is developing GEO-CM02 as a pan-coronavirus vaccine. The Company is also conducting a Phase 1/2 clinical trial of Gedeptin® for treatment of head and neck cancer. Gedeptin® has been granted orphan drug status by the FDA. Additional research and development programs include preventive vaccines against Zika Virus, hemorrhagic fever viruses (Ebola, Sudan, Marburg, and Lassa) and malaria, as well as immunotherapies for multiple solid tumors. The Company’s portfolio of wholly owned, co-owned, and in-licensed intellectual property stands at over 70 granted or pending patent applications spread over 20 patent families.

For additional information about GeoVax, visit our website: www.geovax.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements regarding GeoVax’s business plans. The words “believe,” “look forward to,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “will,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Actual results may differ materially from those included in these statements due to a variety of factors, including whether: GeoVax is able to obtain acceptable results from ongoing or future clinical trials of its investigational products, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines can provoke the desired responses, and those products or vaccines can be used effectively, GeoVax’s viral vector technology adequately amplifies immune responses to cancer antigens, GeoVax can develop and manufacture its immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines with the desired characteristics in a timely manner, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines will be safe for human use, GeoVax’s vaccines will effectively prevent targeted infections in humans, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines will receive regulatory approvals necessary to be licensed and marketed, GeoVax raises required capital to complete development, there is development of competitive products that may be more effective or easier to use than GeoVax’s products, GeoVax will be able to enter into favorable manufacturing and distribution agreements, and other factors, over which GeoVax has no control.

Further information on our risk factors is contained in our registration statement on Form S-1 and the periodic reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K that we have filed and will file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law. 

Contact:
GeoVax Labs, Inc.
investor@geovax.com
678-384-7220

FAQ

What are the results of the GeoVax MVA-VLP-SUDV vaccine study?

The study showed 100% protection in guinea pigs vaccinated with one or two doses against Sudan ebolavirus.

When will GeoVax begin nonhuman primate trials for the MVA-VLP-SUDV vaccine?

GeoVax is nearing completion of nonhuman primate trials and awaits further data.

What is the significance of the MVA-VLP-SUDV vaccine for cancer and infectious diseases?

The vaccine combines live attenuated vector technology with virus-like particles, potentially enabling effective single-dose vaccinations.

How does the MVA-VLP-SUDV vaccine compare to other vaccines by GeoVax?

This vaccine adds to GeoVax's portfolio, complementing their previous successful vaccine against Zaire ebolavirus.