London-listed N4 Pharma (AIM:N4P) says it has received delivery of the initial quantity of the COVID-19 plasmid DNA from the National Institute for Health in the United States.
The specialist pharmaceutical company is undertaking a Covid-19 proof of concept research project for Nuvec®, the group’s novel delivery system for cancer treatments and vaccines.
The concept work, which will be undertaken by Evotec International at its site in Toulouse, will commence during the first week of May once all the required materials have been sourced.
The project, which will follow three stages, is expected to last around six months and is “a key priority” for N4 to demonstrate the versatility and potential of its Nuvec® delivery system.
Shares in N4 Pharma were trading 13.56% higher at 6.7p during morning trading.
After final results have been reviewed, N4 will then determine whether to do a further in vivo study to demonstrate the capability of Nuvec® to generate Covid-19 specific antibodies.
The group will aim to license Nuvec® to those looking to develop vaccines for this virus as well as seeking to collaborate with appropriate partners looking to accelerate further studies.
Nigel Theobald, Chief Executive of N4 Pharma clarified that the group was conducting this work not to develop a vaccine but “to demonstrate to those working on these vaccines how Nuvec® may enhance subsequent vaccines” for coronavirus or other viruses in future.
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