Dynavax Completes Enrollment and First Immunizations in Universal Flu Vaccine Study

July 27, 2010 at 9:02 AM EDT

BERKELEY, CA, Jul 27, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX News Network) -- Dynavax Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: DVAX) today reported completing enrollment and the first immunizations of 39 subjects enrolled in its Phase 1 study of the company's Universal Flu vaccine. Safety and immunogenicity data from this study are anticipated in the fourth quarter of this year.

The Phase 1 trial began vaccinating subjects in late June to assess the safety and immunogenicity of N8295, the novel component of Dynavax's Universal Flu vaccine candidate. Since that time, 39 subjects were divided into three dose groups. All subjects have received the first of two immunizations of N8295; all subjects will complete their second immunizations one month after the first. N8295 is a fusion protein comprised of NP and M2e, two highly conserved influenza antigens covalently linked to Dynavax's proprietary second-generation TLR9 agonist.

Dynavax's Universal Flu Vaccine is designed to offer protection against divergent influenza strains as well as to increase the efficacy of a standard trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine. Preclinical data have confirmed the expected immunogenicity and mechanistic effects of the vaccine candidate's novel components. The production of cytotoxic T-cells by NP and cytotoxic antibodies by M2e have been demonstrated in preclinical studies, as has an increase in neutralizing antibodies provided by a co-administered inactivated influenza vaccine. A GLP toxicity study demonstrated that this Universal Flu vaccine candidate is well-tolerated.

Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Inc. is committed to supply influenza vaccine for Dynavax's clinical trials under a worldwide supply and option agreement signed in 2008. Novartis has an option to negotiate a joint development and commercialization agreement for Dynavax's Universal Flu vaccine and is obligated to provide commercial supplies of its vaccine once clinical proof-of-concept has been established. A clinical study to demonstrate proof-of-concept data is planned for 2011.

About Dynavax

Dynavax Technologies Corporation, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, discovers and develops novel products to prevent and treat infectious diseases. The Company's lead product candidate is HEPLISAV(TM), an investigational adult hepatitis B vaccine designed to enhance protection more rapidly and with fewer doses than current licensed vaccines. For more information visit www.dynavax.com.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements," including statements related to the anticipated timing for the availability of data from the initial clinical trial in our universal flu vaccine program and for the proof-of-concept clinical study and the potential features of the vaccine. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in our business, including whether results of completed studies can be replicated in human studies, difficulties or delays in discovery or development, initiation and completion of preclinical or clinical studies, the results of those studies and the impact of those results on the initiation and completion of subsequent studies and issues arising in the regulatory process; achieving our Novartis agreement objectives; our ability to obtain additional financing to support our operations; and other risks detailed in the "Risk Factors" section of our current periodic reports filed with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to revise or update information herein to reflect events or circumstances in the future, even if new information becomes available.

Contact:
Michael Ostrach
Vice President and Chief Business Officer
510-665-7257
Email Contact


SOURCE: Dynavax Technologies

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