BT-VACC™ (Botulinum toxine vaccine)

What is Botulinum Neurotoxin?

Botulinum neurotoxin is the most poisonous natural toxin known. It is a protein toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and consists of seven serotypes (A-G). Exposure of humans to botulinum toxin by ingestion or by inhalation results in disruption of peripheral nerve function and flaccid paralysis. There is no FDA-licensed vaccine or treatment other than supportive care and post-exposure therapy with antitoxins that are in short supply. Currently, the only way to prevent poisoning by botulinum is by immunization with an antiquated experimental vaccine available in limited supply from the CDC. Botulinum toxin is considered a serious biothreat due to its lethality in small doses and ease of manufacture. Several nations, including the former Soviet Union and Iraq, were found to have developed and stockpiled bioweapons containing botulinum toxin.

About BT-VACC™

In collaboration with Thomas Jefferson University, DOR BioPharma is developing a multivalent vaccine consisting of polypeptide fragments of the heavy chain of the botulinum toxin molecule. These fragments retain the domains important for eliciting a protective immune response against the toxin as well as retaining the capacity to bind to epithelial cells in the airways and in the gastrointestinal tract. These truncated derivatives of the heavy chain lack any of the enzymatic functions of the intact molecule and are completely safe. When administered intranasally, the heavy chain of botulinum serotype A elicits a strong neutralizing antibody response and protects against challenge with high doses of botulinum toxin in mice (Parker and Simpson 2003. Infection and Immunity 71(3): 1147-54). DOR BioPharma has an exclusive, worldwide license agreement for the rights to intranasal and oral delivery of botlinum vaccine from Thomas Jefferson University.