Dallas, Texas 02/07/2014 (FINANCIALSTRENDS) – The $63.72 million market capped development stage drug maker Hemispherx BioPharma, Inc (NYSEMKT:HEB) presented results of its ongoing clinical trials at Washington, DC at the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Biodefense Conference on 30th January. The Phase I/II trials were conducted with the intention of developing a vaccine to prevent influenza. The highlight of the presentation was the fact that “antibodies were detected against highly pathogenic influenza strains” in 70 percent of the subjects who were enrolled in the tests. Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc. (NYSE MKT:HEB) presentation was presented under the topic header, “Seasonal Influenza Vaccine and a TLR-3 Agonist, Rintatolimod (Ampligen(R)), Given Intranasally Produced Cross-Reactive IgA Antibodies Against Pathogenic H5N1 Influenza HA”.
As part of the phase 1 and 2 trials, the vaccine FluMist(R) was administered via injections in addition to the company developed Ampligen(R). The study found that 92% of the administered patients were able to develop “specific IgA antibodies” against previously identified seasonal vaccine strains.
Commenting about the findings, Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc. (NYSE MKT:HEB) CEO Dr. William Carter has been quoted to have said that “compared to systemic doses of Ampligen(R) used in other clinical studies, the amount of intranasal Ampligen(R) used in this study was as low as one eight thousandth (1/8,000) of the dose.” The drug firm also clarified that there was no additional adverse impacts what were observed or reported during the study, there by explaining the safety aspect of the study. The findings yield to the favourable observation that Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc. (NYSE MKT:HEB) developed Ampligen(R) will act as a “appropriate addition of an adjuvant” to known influenza treating drugs.
In an unrelated development, Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc. (NYSE MKT:HEB) saw its market valuation go down by a huge 8.4 percent during trading on 6th February. The share price was down 31 percent from its 52 week high price point.