NIH using PARI’s eFlow in HIV/AIDS Vaccine Research

MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA, December 4, 2006 – The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, is currently conducting research using PARI’s eFlow electronic nebulizer to study aerosol delivery of vaccines to the mucosa. This study evaluates immunogenicity of aerosolized adenovirus- and DNA-based vaccines delivered to the lungs to protect from HIV/AIDS and other viral diseases.

“We are very excited about the potential of vaccines delivered by PARI’s eFlow. Since eFlow is such an effective and efficient delivery platform, many new drugs and vaccines can potentially be delivered via inhalation with very short treatment times and without a needle,” said Dr. Martin Knoch, Managing Director of PARI.

Researchers, under the direction of Gary J. Nabel, MD, Ph.D, are evaluating whether aerosolized vaccines delivered to the lung afford better immunogenicity than traditional intramuscular injection. The research team uses a non-human primate model in vaccine testing that represents the best model available for defining and measuring immune response before transitioning to clinical trials in humans.

The proof-of-concept study of aerosol delivery of vaccines delivered with the adenovirus is being conducted at the NIAID Vaccine Research Center in Bethesda, Maryland, USA.

About eFlow

PARI’s eFlow, an electronic, portable nebulizer, enables extremely efficient aerosolization of liquid medications and vaccines via a vibrating, perforated membrane. Its gentle method of aerosolization only generates low shear forces and almost no additional heat and therefore minimizes the risk of damaging fragile bio-molecules and viral vaccine vectors. Compared to other nebulizer systems, eFlow can produce aerosols with a very high density of drugs or vaccines, a precisely defined droplet size, and a high proportion of respirable droplets delivered in the shortest possible amount of time, combined with its silent mode of operation, small size, light weight, and battery use.

About NIAID

NIAID is a component of the National Institutes of Health, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIAID supports basic and applied research to prevent, diagnose and treat infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, influenza, tuberculosis, malaria and illness from potential agents of bioterrorism. NIAID also supports research on transplantation and immune-related illnesses, including autoimmune disorders, asthma and allergies.

About PARI

PARI is a leading worldwide developer and manufacturer of fast and efficient aerosol delivery systems for patients with asthma, chronic lung disease, and cystic fibrosis. PARI's primary focus is to provide patients with innovative products and services that help control disease. PARI also develops drug products for pulmonary and nasal administration as liquid aerosols and already has several clinical development programs ongoing, either partnered or on its own. PARI is headquartered in Starnberg, Germany, with a major presence in the United States and offices in Japan, United Kingdom, Russia, and China. Online at www.paripharma.com.

Additional information on eFlow is available by contacting Kirsten Ayars at 805-452-7909 or Geoff Hunziker at
831-372-3580.