DHS increases funding for GenVec's FMD vaccine program
The U.S. Department of Agrictultre and DHS are both worried about foot-and-mouth disease, and a Maryland company has its contract increase to develop unique molecular-based FMD vaccine for cattle
Food-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a concern not only in the United Kingdom, but in the United States as well. Gaithersburg, Maryland-based GenVec (Nasdaq: GNVC) has executed the first option period from the previously announced agreement with DHS which will provide $5.6 million over the next twelve months to support the development of vaccines for the prevention of foot-and-mouth disease. This funding increases the total value of GenVec’s three-year agreement from $15.2 million to $17.5 million. The agreement calls on GenVec to be responsible for the development, production, and regulatory approval of the vaccine, while DHS is responsible for conducting animal studies at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center.
Note that the FMD vaccine being developed by GenVec scientists in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) and the DHS’s Targeted Advanced Development unit (TAD) is unique in several ways. This vaccine, initially constructed and tested by ARS, is the first molecular-based FMD vaccine for cattle, and allows differentiation of infected animals from vaccinated animals, which is critical information in the event of an outbreak. The vaccine uses GenVec’s proprietary adenovector technology and is manufactured on a proprietary 293-ORF6 based cell line which is capable of producing antigens without the use of the highly contagious FMD virus. Because the vaccine is produced without using live or killed virus materials, it can be safely produced in the United States.
