NABI ANNOUNCES FAST-TRACK DESIGNATION FOR NICVAX

Nabi Biopharmaceuticals has announced that NicVAX (Nicotine Conjugate Vaccine), the company's novel, innovative and proprietary investigational vaccine being developed to treat nicotine addiction and prevent smoking relapse, has received fast-track designation from the FDA.

NicVAX is designed to cause the immune system to produce antibodies that bind to nicotine and prevent it from entering the brain. It is believed that these nicotine antibodies will act like a "sponge" soaking up nicotine as it circulates in the bloodstream and preventing it from reaching the brain. The positive stimulus in the brain that is normally caused by nicotine is no longer present, thereby eliminating the addictive properties of smoking and, consequently, helping people to quit. Unlike current therapies, such as nicotine patches and gums, smokers will not be able to eliminate the effects of NicVAX by stopping their treatment.