Inovio Biomedical Corporation has signed an agreement with Swedish biotech company Tripep to develop a therapeutic vaccine for hepatitis C virus (HCV). The vaccine will be based on Tripep's proprietary HCV antigen and delivered to infected individuals using Inovio's Medpulser DNA Delivery System. A Phase I clinical trial, which will take place in Sweden, is expected to begin in 2006.

Electroporation-based delivery of DNA-based vaccines is an enabling mechanism that enhances immune responses in several key ways. Electroporation increases both the onset and titers of antibodies and T cells to DNA-encoded antigens. The ability to enhance cellular immune responses is thought to be necessary to control persistent viral infections such as HCV. Induction of both antibodies and T-cells may boost the ability of the patient's immune system to recognize and destroy infected cells.

"The ability of electroporation-delivered DNA vaccines to enhance both cell mediated and humoral immune responses may create a new paradigm for the treatment of viral hepatitis," said Avtar Dhillon, MD, Inovio's president and CEO. "While we are currently involved in four Phase I studies using the MedPulser system to deliver DNA therapeutics, this agreement with Tripep represents our first step to secure full rights to a product."