Indication
Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Phase
Phase IIa

Description
Therapeutic peptide conjugate vaccine which has been shown to stimulate production of antibodies to Angiotensin I, a hormone involved in the regulation of blood pressure now formulated with a novel proprietary adjuvant (CoVaccine HT™).

Further Information
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a major cause of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, blood vessel problems and kidney damage. It is estimated that nearly one in three adults in the US suffers from high blood pressure.* It is therefore not surprising that one in five deaths in the US are a result of coronary heart disease, causing up to 450,000 deaths annually, while a further 160,000 people die from strokes. Current treatments require daily doses of tablets or capsules, usually for life, and while effective when taken regularly, patient compliance is poor.

By inducing antibodies to Angiotensin I, Angiotensin Therapeutic Vaccine (ATV), has the potential to interfere with the major pathway which leads to hypertension and thus could reduce blood pressure. It is anticipated that the vaccine, which is given by intramuscular injection, will require administration only a few times a year, providing an opportunity to improve patient compliance. Clinical studies have shown that ATV is well tolerated when formulated with Alhydrogel®, a well-established adjuvant, and encouraging effects on the hormones regulating blood pressure were observed.

A Phase IIa study was stopped in April 2009 after several patients experienced injection site reactions and "flu-like" symptoms. Subsequent data review suggested that the adverse events were most likely related to the dose of the adjuvant rather than the vaccine.

A Phase I study was initiated in November 2009 to determine a suitable dose of adjuvant to take forward into the planned Phase IIa study of the ATV. The Phase I results are expected in H1 2010 and the Phase IIa study of ATV is anticipated to start in H2 2010.

Please contact our Business Development Team for more information on the Angiotensin Therapeutic Vaccine partnering opportunity.

* American Heart Association
**BTG estimates of total annual antihypertensive medication sales


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