Aldevron was selected to produce CureLab Oncology’s DNA-based vaccine for cancer treatment. According to CureLab, the vaccine has demonstrated strong antitumor responses in animal models of lung carcinoma and breast cancer. Under the contract, Aldevron will supply material for clinical trials in both Russia and the United States.
The vaccine was produced in partnership with the University of Camerino (Italy), Medical Radiological Research Center, RAMS (Russia), National Institute of Influenza (Russia), R. E. Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology and Radiobiology (Ukraine) and Boston University.
Aldevron was established in 1998 to offer plasmid DNA production services for the biomanufacturing of vaccines. The company’s two founders met as students at North Dakota State University (NDSU), where one of them worked on an independent research project about DNA vaccines. When the company started, DNA vaccine researchers used slow processes and harsh chemicals like cesium chloride to purify plasmid DNA. The company saw an opportunity to manufacture large amounts of DNA on a contract basis using a downstream purification process developed at NDSU.
Another problem with early DNA vaccines was that they worked well in mice, but often failed in larger animal and human studies. Aldevron says it solved the problem by licensing and developing DNA technologies, such as electroporation, and offering them to clients through the company’s GIA™ (Genetic Immunization and Antibody) service.
CureLab Oncology is a subsidiary of Cure Lab. In addition to its American operations, CureLab Oncology also has a subsidiary in Russia, OOO CL Oncology.
