HILLSIDE, NJ, April 30, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- InB:Biotechnologies, Inc. ("INB:B"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Integrated BioPharma (Nasdaq:INBP), announced today that it successfully produced a bioequivalent diabetes-associated autoantigen using INBP's novel, proprietary AIPwLV platform technology. The study was conducted by the Fraunhofer USA Center for Molecular Biotechnology (CMB), the Contract Research Organization led by Dr. Vidadi Yusibov, through which INB:B executes its vaccine and other biopharmaceutical development activities.
The results, reported in the respected peer-reviewed scientific journal, Transgenic Research, demonstrated that an intracellular domain of recombinant human diabetes-associated autoantigen was produced in plants and its bioequivalence to the native form of the protein was confirmed.
The latest advances in type 1 diabetes research have shown that it is possible to screen for individuals most likely to develop the disease years before the sudden onset of severe symptoms. The current diagnostic test is based on the use of a radiolabeled autoantigen to determine the presence of antibodies in a patient's serum. While this assay is highly reliable, it is not practical to screen large populations due, in part, to the limited availability of the human recombinant antigen.
The AIPwLV Platform demonstrated the potential for large-scale and inexpensive production of diabetes-associated autoantigen and other recombinant human proteins in short periods of time. Wider availability of diabetes-associated autoantigen could allow for more extensive screening of at-risk individuals and more comprehensive disease studies.
"The AIPwLV technology achieves rapid, high level production of vaccine antigens, antibodies and therapeutic proteins in non-genetically modified plants utilizing a proprietary launch-vector technology," said Dr. Yusibov, the Executive Director of Fraunhofer USA CMB. "It offers rapid, cost efficient production of biopharmaceuticals with unparalleled scalability."
About Integrated BioPharma Inc. (INBP)
Integrated BioPharma is a unique grouping of companies presently serving the varied needs of the health care industry. Through its nutraceutical business, the Company creates, develops, manufactures and markets products worldwide. The Company's biotechnology business uses its patented plant-based technology to produce vaccines and therapeutic antibodies. Its pharmaceutical business operates a cGMP facility for the production and sale of Paclitaxel and related drugs and provides technical services through its contract research organization. Further information is available at www.iBioPharma.com.
Statements included in this release related to Integrated BioPharma, Inc. may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties such as competitive factors, technological development, market demand, and the company's ability to obtain new contracts and accurately estimate net revenues due to variability in size, scope and duration of projects, and internal issues in the sponsoring client. Further information on potential risk factors that could affect the company's financial results can be found in the company's Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.