New Orleans-based MiniVax specializes in the research and development of novel treatments for opportunistic infections, specifically, at the moment, for Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP).
The company has announced its new exclusive option agreement with agreed licensing terms with the University of Rochester in New York. Minivax will develop a monoclonal antibody for the treatment of PCP, which is of interest to the university.
Co-Presidents of MiniVax, Sue Preston and Dr. Martin Preuveneers, agreed, “This is an important academic collaboration with a private company for the development of a monoclonal antibody treatment for Pneumocystis pneumonia.”
Research at the university is currently conducted by Dr. Frank Gigliotti along with Drs. Terry Wright and Constantine Haidaris. Dr. Kris Fisher from MiniVax is set to lead the development of the program for the remainder of pre-clinical development and into human clinical trials.
Dr. Fisher stated, “This option agreement represents a unique opportunity to leverage the scientific expertise of two leading institutions, and promises to advance the development of biological therapeutics against fungal infections, in particular Pneumocystis pneumonia.”
“We are thrilled to enter into this option agreement with the MiniVax team as we are confident in their ability to advance this discovery,” said Matan Rapoport, Licensing Manager with UR Ventures at the University of Rochester. “As always, the University of Rochester strives to transfer its innovative ideas to industry for further development into products that make a difference in people’s lives.”