Businessweek

Vical Incorporated engages in the research and development of biopharmaceutical products based on patented DNA delivery technologies for the prevention and treatment of serious or life-threatening diseases. The company has three active independent clinical and preclinical development programs in the areas of infectious disease and cancer, including a fully enrolled ongoing Phase 3 clinical trial using its Allovectin immunotherapeutic in patients with metastatic melanoma which has been funded, up to certain limits, by AnGes MG, Inc. (AnGes), under a research and development agreement; a completed preclinical program, with an allowed investigational new drug application, or IND, using its CyMVectin prophylactic vaccine formulated with its proprietary Vaxfectin adjuvant to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV), infection before and during pregnancy; and a preclinical program with therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines for herpes simplex virus type 2 formulated with its proprietary Vaxfectin adjuvant. Independent Programs Targeting Infectious Diseases CMV Vaccines: The company and its collaborator are in the process of developing two CMV vaccines: TransVax and CyMVectin. TransVax is designed to serve the first patient population by preventing CMV reactivation or infection in transplant recipients. In 2011, the company licensed the right to develop and commercialize TransVax to Astellas. CyMVectin: CyMVectin was designed to prevent CMV infection prior to pregnancy. CyMVectin consists of pDNA that encodes the human CMV gB antigen with pDNA that encodes the human CMV pp65 antigen. The product is formulated with its proprietary lipid-based adjuvant Vaxfectin. Other Infectious Disease Programs: In 2011, the company completed a Phase 1 clinical trial of its Vaxfectin-formulated DNA vaccine against A/H1N1 pandemic influenza. Collaborations The company has licensing and collaboration arrangements with Astellas Pharma Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Sanofi, AnGes, Aqua Health Ltd. of Canada, Animal Health, and Merial Limited. In-licensing CytRx: In 2001, the company entered into an agreement with CytRx Corporation, or CytRx, which grants it rights to use or sublicense CytRx’s poloxamer technology to enhance viral or non-viral delivery of polynucleotides in all unexcluded preventive and therapeutic human and animal health applications, including CMV. City of Hope: In 2003, the company licensed from the City of Hope on an exclusive basis various U.S. patents that provide protection for CMV-related polynucleotide based vaccines, including TransVax and CyMVectin vaccine candidates. History Vical Incorporated was founded in 1987.