Antex To Continue DOD Grant Work On Gastrointestinal Vaccine.(Brief Article)

2001 NOV 7 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Antex Biologics, Inc. has announced it completed work funded by a U.S. Army Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant on the development of an oral microbead vaccine to protect U.S. troops against bacteria that causes various gastrointestinal diseases including gastritis and severe dysentery.

Under this grant, Antex encapsulated inactivated Campylobacter in a microbead formulation, demonstrated release of intact bacteria cells at desired conditions, and commenced animal studies to identify an optimal dosing regimen. Based on the success of Phase I, the U.S. Army has requested Antex submit an application for a Phase II contract.

The funding provided for evaluation of microbeads as a possible delivery system represents the continued commitment of the Department of Defense in supporting Antex's efforts in the development of Activax, an orally administered multivalent vaccine to prevent Traveler's Diarrhea caused by Campylobacter, Shigella, and E. coli (ETEC).

"Through our joint efforts with the Department of Defense, we continue to make significant progress in development of an important vaccine to protect our troops overseas,'' stated Antex CEO Dr. Vic Esposito. "We are pleased to report that both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy continue to show substantial interest and provide clinical trial support for the full development of Activax.''

Diarrhea is the most common cause of ill health in travelers and is a serious problem for military troops deployed overseas. Enteric bacteria, including Campylobacter, Shigella and E. coli (ETEC), are the most common causes of traveler's diseases, which can include gastritis, acute diarrhea, high fever, dehydration, severe dysentery and death. Seemingly mild, diarrheal diseases are responsible for three million deaths a year globally.

International public health officials estimate that Campylobacter ...