Proteus International Plc, based in Manchester, saw its shares leap from 53 pence to 150 pence on Friday when its subsidiary, Proteus Molecular Design Ltd, entered into an agreement with Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Repligen Corporation, over Proteus’ work on developing synthetic therapeutic and prophylatic vaccines for Human Immunodefciency Virus, which is believed to be the causative agent of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Proteus, which specialises in the development and application of advanced computer-aided molecular modelling and design, has experienced success with its vaccines during research in Australia and the UK. The vaccines are based on its patented synthetic peptides. Evaluation will now take place on Proteus’ reagents by Repligen over the next three months, with reciprocal arrangements for Proteus to evaluate Repligen’s reagents in the UK. Proteus chairman Kevin Gilmore says the agreement represents a significant step forward in Proteus’ AIDS vaccine research using its proprietary computerised molecular design system. The firm is currently developing its lead compounds for AIDS therapies and prophylaxies with a view to eventual licensing to others for clinical trial and commercial development.
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