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Keele, UK,
7 November 2005 -
Cobra Biomanufacturing PLC (LSE:CBF) the international
manufacturer of biopharmaceuticals today announced a new agreement with
Advaxis, Inc (OTCBB: ADXS), a developer of live cancer
vaccines based upon modified, attenuated Listeria monocytogenes,
under which Cobra will manufacture experimental and commercial supplies of
Advaxis’ Listeria cancer vaccines, beginning with Lovaxin C,
Advaxis’ therapeutic vaccine for the treatment of cervical and head and
neck cancers. Lovaxin C will be entering a phase I/II study in cervical
cancer patients this year.
The new agreement supersedes a prior agreement and provides for mutual exclusivity, priority of supply, collaboration on regulatory issues, research and development of manufacturing processes that have already resulted in new intellectual property owned by Advaxis, and the long-term supply of live Listeria based vaccines on a discounted basis. “In the past two years Advaxis and Cobra have undergone an intensive development process for Advaxis’ first cancer vaccine Lovaxin C” said J Todd Derbin, Chief Executive Officer of Advaxis. “This new strategic agreement will expand the relationship in several areas, including other cancer vaccines, intellectual property and commercial supply. It is based on the successful business model we have developed with Cobra, and secures for Advaxis a strong and long term pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities which will enable us to manufacture our cancer vaccines on a stable cost basis well into the future”. Cobra, with its world leading technologies and capabilities in the manufacture of DNA, viruses and proteins, is already using its expertise for the production of Lovaxin C for the Phase I/II clinical study in cervical cancer being undertaken by Advaxis. David Thatcher, Chief Executive of Cobra Biomanufacturing, added: “We are delighted that Advaxis has decided to broaden the relationship with Cobra and make us an exclusive vaccine supplier not only for Lovaxin C, but also for its other Listeria cancer vaccines. We intend for this to be a long-term relationship, providing the Advaxis cancer vaccines from pre-clinical to commercial supply.” About Cobra: Cobra Biomanufacturing Plc is a leading international manufacturer of biopharmaceuticals to the life science industry. Founded in 1992, Cobra has leading capabilities in DNA, virus and protein contract manufacture. It was the first company to develop GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standard DNA manufacture in Europe, with specific expertise in the manufacture of novel medicines. A range of unique, patented technologies, the most advanced of which are ORT and UCOE, underpins this revenue generating business. Cobra is listed on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange. www.cobrabio.com About Advaxis: Advaxis is based in Princeton, New Jersey. Advaxis is developing proprietary Listeria cancer vaccines based on the vaccine technology developed by Dr. Yvonne Paterson in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Pennsylvania. Advaxis is developing therapeutic cancer vaccines that enhance the immune system’s cancer-fighting abilities. Advaxis, through its proprietary Listeria monocytogenes based system, is utilizing two immunological mechanisms (Innate and Classical Immunity) to develop safer and more effective Listeria based cancer vaccines. Advaxis is the exclusive licensee of a patented broadly enabling Listeria platform technology, which is based on the usage of the attenuated bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, that can elicit more effective anti-tumor responses. Advaxis’ lead Listeria vaccine candidate, Lovaxin C, targets cervical and head and neck cancers. Further Listeria vaccines in development target breast, ovarian and lung cancers. Advaxis is entering a Phase I/II clinical trial in late 2005. The Listeria platform will also have applications in the fields of infectious disease and autoimmune disorders. For further information: Cobra Biomanufacturing PLC Tel: +44 (0) 1782 714 181 David Thatcher, Chief Executive Officer Advaxis, Inc. 609-895-7150 J. Todd Derbin, derbin@advaxis.com Northbank Communications Marc Egelhofer Tel: 44 (0) 1260 296 500
Buchanan Communications Tel: +44 207 466 5000
Tim Anderson / Rebecca Skye Dietrich
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