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At IDRI, our mission is to translate science into global health solutions. We develop vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutic products that address the world's most neglected infectious diseases.
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3M Collaborates with Infectious Disease Research Institute on Vaccine Adjuvants
St. Paul, MN | May 1, 2008
3M Drug Delivery Systems announces the signing of a non-exclusive license
agreement with the Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI) in support of
vaccine research for humanitarian efforts in developing countries. Under the
agreement, 3M will donate its patented toll-like receptor (TLR) immune response
modifier compounds. 3M's patented TLR immune response modifier compounds,
which may be useful as vaccine adjuvants, will be used by IDRI to research new
vaccines. Vaccine adjuvants are known to help boost the effectiveness of a
vaccine.
"IDRI's vaccine platform has the potential to prevent and treat a number of
important diseases in the developing world. By providing our vaccine adjuvant
compounds to their vaccines, we are providing a cost-effective way for IDRI to
conduct vaccine research," said Dr. Mark Tomai, PhD, Vaccine Business
Development, 3M Drug Delivery Systems. "This will help them and us learn more
about the potential effectiveness of our vaccine adjuvants. We anticipate this
collaboration with IDRI to be the first in many deals around our TLR vaccine
adjuvant portfolio."
3M's TLR compounds, also called TLR7 and TLR8 agonists, are small organically
synthesized molecules that offer flexibility in formulating and route of delivery, and
ease in manufacturing, unlike most other TLR agonists, which are much larger
and not as easy to manufacture.
"IDRI's access to a 3M compound provides us with a very important tool for our
efforts to develop adjuvants to be used in vaccines for diseases of global impact,"
says Steve Reed, IDRI's Founder and Head of Research. "We are very pleased
that 3M has demonstrated this confidence in our organization—and are confident
that IDRI's access to the 3M technology will improve our vaccine research and
development."
"Our toll-like receptor agonist platform is a major part of our vaccine offering that
also includes our Microstructured Transdermal System(a) for needle-free delivery
of vaccines. We are at the start of a positive relationship that pairs our unique
technology with a critical global need. We look forward to working with IDRI on its
vaccine research," said Dr. Steven Wick, Technical Director, 3M Drug Delivery
Systems.
About IDRI
The Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI) is a Seattle-based not-for-profit organization committed to applying innovative science to the research and development of products to prevent, detect, and treat infectious diseases of poverty. By integrating capabilities, including early stage drug discovery, preclinical testing, manufacturing, and clinical trials, IDRI strives to create an efficient pathway bringing scientific innovation from the laboratory to the people who need it most. For more information, visit www.idri.org.
IDRI contact:
Erik Iverson | 206.518.6280 | media@idri.org
About 3M Drug Delivery Systems Immune Response Modifiers
3M Drug Delivery Systems has a portfolio of patent protected toll-like receptor
TLR7 and TLR8 agonists that have shown promise as vaccine adjuvants. There
are a variety of assets in the portfolio that can be used topically, admixed or in
conjugatable form. The lead candidate, resiquimod (TLR7/8 agonist) has shown
promising results in a number of animal models and has an extensive toxicology
and clinical data package to support further development as a vaccine adjuvant. In addition, 3M offers other TLR7 and TLR8 agonists, some of which can be
attached to various proteins that enhance vaccine efficacy in a number of
models. As small molecules, 3M's TLR7 and TLR8 agonists offer unique
advantages over other TLR agonists with regards to delivery and
manufacturing. 3M is actively seeking partners to license these assets on a
non-exclusive basis. For more information, or to contact Dr. Tomai, go to www.3m.com. In addition, 3M Drug Delivery Systems has a variety of immune
response modifier compounds that may be useful in oncology and
dermatology.
About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of
innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is
applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms — often in combination
— to a wide array of customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs
75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries.
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