The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation Supports Launch of IDRI's TB Vaccine Clinical Program

SEATTLE, Oct. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI) has been awarded a two-year $300,000 grant from The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation to support IDRI's launch of a Phase 1 clinical trial of its new tuberculosis vaccine known as ID93/GLA-SE.  The phase 1 trial will evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of ID93/GLA-SE in a group of healthy volunteers, and is expected to begin in early 2012.  

"We are thrilled to be supporting IDRI, a Seattle based not-profit organization focused on addressing infectious diseases, in its effort to develop a vaccine to fight tuberculosis," commented Susan M. Coliton, vice president of  The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation." This new vaccine could be the solution for the world-wide TB pandemic affecting millions of people."

According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, one third of the world's population is infected with TB and each year almost 2 million deaths are associated with TB. The current vaccine, bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), was first used almost 100 years ago, is only partially effective against TB infection, and its protection wanes during adolescence.

The World Health Organization and others have stated that a new TB vaccine is urgently needed.  Although BCG has been widely used, its limited effectiveness is a serious concern and its safety has recently become an issue as it may itself result in a TB infection in people whose immune systems are compromised.

Preclinical models using IDRI's ID93/GLA-SE vaccine demonstrated substantial protection against the tuberculosis microbe, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, both with and without boosting of BCG. The vaccine candidate is comprised of a fusion protein of four antigens and a synthetic adjuvant formulation. Together, they induce potent T-cells to induce effective immunity and protect against TB.

"We are extremely thankful for The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation's vision and support in providing critical funding needed to support a clinical trial, which is the critical next phase in the further development of this promising new TB vaccine," said Steven G. Reed Ph.D., IDRI Founder, President, and CSO.  

About IDRI

The Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI) is a Seattle-based not-for-profit organization committed to applying innovative science to the research and development of products to prevent, detect, and treat infectious diseases of poverty. By integrating capabilities, including early stage drug discovery, preclinical testing, manufacturing, and clinical trials, IDRI strives to create an efficient pathway bringing scientific innovation from the laboratory to the people who need it most. For more information, visit www.idri.org.

SOURCE Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI)

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