PLANTATION, Fla., Nov. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Representatives from Viragen, Inc. (AMEX:VRA) and Viragen International, Inc. (OTC:VGNI) (BULLETIN BOARD: VGNI) provided comments related to a recent announcement reporting positive preliminary in vitro results from studies on Multiferon(R) (multi-subtype, human natural alpha interferon) and the H5N1 virus, the cause of avian flu.
President and CEO Charles A. Rice expressed cautious optimism stating, "While the initial results obtained by Southern Research Institute are encouraging, they do strongly suggest the need for further studies to determine how Multiferon(R) might be used in combating the avian influenza threat. It is widely publicized that some drugs currently being stockpiled could be susceptible to viral resistance, or may not be active against this particular strain of the virus. Additionally, the virus responsible for any eventual pandemic may not be the H5N1 strain. Multiferon(R) may represent a different approach to treatment in that it has been shown to exhibit rather broad anti-viral activity. I can also confirm that separate studies are ongoing in a variety of other emerging viral threats in cooperation with a number of independent investigators." Vice President and Managing Director of Viragen (Scotland) Ltd. Karen Jervis, Ph.D., outlined the steps necessary to position the product as an avian flu treatment candidate, "We need to conduct further confirmatory in vitro investigations to determine the lower ranges at which Multiferon(R) is active against the virus, while directly comparing it to a broader spectrum of anti-viral products. Provided these results are supportive, we would then want to progress to in vivo studies to assess the activity. We are currently investigating availability of grants, government funding opportunities, government and institutional research collaborations and all other means whereby we can complete additional work." About Multiferon(R): Multiferon(R) is a highly purified, multi-subtype, natural human alpha interferon. Marketed as "the natural choice"(TM), it is approved for sale in ten international markets (non-U.S.) for the first-line or rescue therapy of a broad range of infectious diseases and cancers. Earlier this year, Viragen filed an application in Sweden to seek expanded approval for Multiferon(R) to include the first-line adjuvant treatment of high-risk malignant melanoma. A decision is expected imminently.
About Viragen, Inc.: With global operations in the U.S., Scotland and Sweden, Viragen is a biotechnology company engaged in the research, development, manufacture and commercialization of pharmaceutical proteins for the treatment of viral diseases and cancers. Our product portfolio includes: Multiferon(R) (multi- subtype, natural human alpha interferon) targeting a broad range of infectious and malignant diseases; and humanized monoclonal antibodies targeting specific antigens over-expressed on many types of cancers. We are also pioneering the development of Avian Transgenic Technology, with the renowned Roslin Institute, as a revolutionary manufacturing platform for the large-scale, efficient and economical production of human therapeutic proteins and antibodies.
For more information, please visit: http://www.viragen.com/ .
Viragen, Inc. Corporate Contact:
Douglas Calder, Director of Communications
Phone: (954) 233-8746; Fax: (954) 233-1414
E-mail: The foregoing press announcement contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by terminology such as "expect," "potential," "suggests," "may," "should," "could" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. In particular, management's expectations regarding future research, development and/or commercial results could be affected by, among other things, uncertainties relating to clinical trials and product development; availability of future financing; unexpected regulatory delays or government regulation generally; the Company's ability to obtain or maintain patent and other proprietary intellectual property protection; and competition in general. Forward-looking statements speak only as to the date they are made. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made. http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010426/HSTH018LOGO-b http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Viragen, Inc.
CONTACT: Douglas Calder, Director of Communications, Viragen, +1-954-233-8746, or fax, +1-954-233-1414, or Web site: http://www.viragen.com/
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