Univax Biologics Inc. and Genentech Inc. have agreed to co-develop a novel antibody-based therapeutic with the potentialto prevent and treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1)infections, Univax said Tuesday.

The agreement is based on Genentech's gp120 vaccine,currently in clinical trials, and on Univax's expertise indeveloping hyperimmune immunoglobulins for intravenousadministration.

The antibodies will be harvested from the plasma of healthyuninfected volunteer donors previously immunized withGenentech's gp120 vaccine, which has protected chimpanzeesfrom HIV-1 infection

Genentech (NYSE:GNE) of South San Francisco, Calif., usesrecombinant DNA technology, not live virus, to produce thevaccine.

Univax (NASDAQ:UNVX) of Rockville, Md., will use the vaccine ina donor stimulation program to generate the antibodies, knownas hyperimmune immunoglobulins, that it will evaluate inPhase I/II human clinical trials.

If the product proves promising, Univax and Genentech willjointly conduct Phase III trials. AIDS patients are an obvioustarget group for passive immunization with antibodies. Infantsborn to AIDS-infected mothers and health care workersaccidentally exposed to the virus may also benefit frompassive immunization.

Genentech will market the product worldwide, and Univax willhave the manufacturing rights for the antibody. They will shareincome from sales.

(c) 1997 American Health Consultants. All rights reserved.