Defence Therapeutics Inc.: Defence's AccumTM-HPV vaccine formulation (AccuVAC-PT009) activates a 36-fold higher humoral response compared to Gardasil-9

DGAP-News: Defence Therapeutics Inc. / Key word(s): Miscellaneous
26.01.2022 / 08:30
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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CSE: DTC FSE: DTC USOTC: DTCFF PRESS RELEASE

Defence's Accum^TM-HPV vaccine formulation (AccuVAC-PT009) activates a 36-fold higher humoral response compared to Gardasil-9

Vancouver, BC, Canada, January 26^th, 2022 - Defence Therapeutics Inc. ("Defence" or the "Company"), a pre-clinical biotechnology company developing various immune-oncology products, is pleased to announce the development of AccuVAC-PT009, a new protein-based HPV vaccine, leading to a humoral response bypassing Gardasil-9 (Merck) immunogenicity in animals.

ACCUM^TM is a platform technology 100% owned by Defence Therapeutics. ACCUM^TM is an enabling technology as it can be used to enhance the intracellular accumulation of various proteins of pharmacological interests into any target cells. As such, it is currently used by Defence for the development of several anti-cancer and COVID vaccines, as well as for the improvement of approved or in development antibody-drug conjugates.

To further demonstrate the ACCUM^TM versatility, the Defence research and development team designed and engineered a HPV vaccine (a mix of the same 9 HPV-derived L1 proteins used in Gardasil-9) and compared its immunogenicity to a group of Gardasil-9-immunized animals. Compared to Gardasil-9, AccuVAC-PT009 triggers an impressive 27- and 36-fold increase in antibody titer at 4- and 6-weeks post-immunization respectively.

"We are extremely proud to demonstrate again how ACCUM^TM can be exploited and applied to significantly improve any protein-based vaccine. Not only can this vaccine have a tremendous impact on improving the immunogenicity of the commercialized Gardasil-9, but it can in addition lower the dosing regimen (at least by 10-fold) yet triggering similar or more potent humoral response", says Mr. Plouffe, the CEO of Defence.

According to Fortune Business Insights, the global HPV vaccine market size was valued at $3.80 Bn in 2019 & is projected to reach $12.69 Bn by 2027, with a CAGR of 16.3%.

Defence Therapeutics is currently working on various scenarios. Although its initial intent is to pursue the development of its AccuVAC-PT009 HPV vaccine candidate or even adding other subtypes currently not covered by Gardasil-9, the company is actively looking for to establish partnerships with major pharmaceuticals players to bring forward its vaccine portfolio.

About Defence:
Defence Therapeutics is a publicly-traded biotechnology company working on engineering the next generation vaccines and ADC products using its proprietary platform. The core of Defence Therapeutics platform is the ACCUM^TM technology, which enables precision delivery of vaccine antigens or ADCs in their intact form to target cells. As a result, increased efficacy and potency can be reached against catastrophic illness such as cancer and infectious diseases.

For further information:
Sebastien Plouffe, President, CEO and Director
P: (514) 947-2272
Splouffe@defencetherapeutics.com
www.defencetherapeutics.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions, market prices, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

Neither the CSE nor its market regulator, as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE, accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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