OraVax receives United States patent for the use of a protein to detect highly virulent strains of Helicobacter pylori

OraVax, Inc. (Cambridge, MA; 617-494-1339) announced the issuance of a United States Patent (5,733,740) entitled "CagA Gene and Methods for Detecting Predisposition to Peptic Ulceration and Gastric Carcinoma" for use in identifying especially virulent strains of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), the bacteria which causes peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. The patent describes a method for detecting serum antibodies against the CagA protein of the H. pylori bacteria. Studies have indicated that patients infected with strains of H. pylori that express the CagA protein, are at higher risk of developing peptic ulcer disease and gastric carcinoma than patients infected with strains lacking CagA.

Under the patent, OraVax has been granted claims for use of the CagA protein to diagnose patients who are infected with these strains and who are, therefore, more susceptible to disease. To date, the company has entered into two outlicensing agreements for the development of diagnos tic tests to detect CagA.

"Weare pleased to receive this patent as we build our portfolio of intellectual property in the field of Helicobacter pylori. The rapid diagnosis of an infection as CagA positive could significantly aid in the management of patients with this serious bacterial infection," said Lance K. Gordon, PhD, president and chief executive officer of OraVax. "Through outlicensing agreements, we hope to aid in the development of diagnostic tests which will allow primary health care physicians and clinical laboratories to quickly diagnose patients infected with these more virulent strains, so that the best care and treatment possible can begin immediately."

OraVax is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery, development and commercialization of therapeutic and preventive vaccines and antibody products that control human infectious diseases. The company's product candidates in development include vaccines against Helicobacter pylori, respiratory syncytial virus, Clostridium difficile, and the ChimeriVax vaccines. OraVax will be the exclusive United States marketer and distributor of Evans Medical Limited's yellow fever vaccine Arilvax once licensed in the United States. The company also anticipates participating in the development and routine manufacture of certain vaccines against biological warfare agents for the Department of Defense.