Inovio Pharmaceuticals

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Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an American biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of synthetic DNA products for treating and preventing infectious diseases, cancer, and other diseases. The company is headquartered in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania.

History

Inovio Pharmaceuticals was founded in 1979 as Electro-Optical Systems by David B. Weiner. The company initially focused on developing electroporation technology, which uses electrical pulses to deliver DNA into cells. In 2001, the company changed its name to Inovio Pharmaceuticals to reflect its focus on DNA-based therapies.

Technology

Inovio's core technology platform is based on the use of synthetic DNA to create immunotherapies and vaccines. The company's proprietary technology, known as CELLECTRA®, enhances the delivery of DNA into cells using electroporation. This technology is designed to improve the uptake and expression of DNA, leading to stronger immune responses.

Pipeline

Inovio has a diverse pipeline of products in various stages of development. Some of the key areas of focus include:

• Infectious diseases: Inovio is developing vaccines for diseases such as COVID-19, HIV, hepatitis B, and Zika virus.
• Cancer: The company is working on immunotherapies for various types of cancer, including cervical cancer, prostate cancer, and glioblastoma.
• Other diseases: Inovio is also exploring treatments for conditions such as human papillomavirus (HPV)-related diseases and Ebola virus.

COVID-19 Vaccine

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Inovio developed a DNA vaccine candidate called INO-4800. The vaccine is designed to induce an immune response against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. INO-4800 entered clinical trials in early 2020 and has shown promising results in generating immune responses in participants.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Inovio has established collaborations and partnerships with various organizations to advance its research and development efforts. Some of these partners include:

• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
• Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)
• National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• Regeneron Pharmaceuticals

Financials

Inovio Pharmaceuticals is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol INO. The company has raised significant funding through public offerings and grants to support its research and development activities.

See also

• Biotechnology
• Immunotherapy
• Vaccine
• Electroporation
• Synthetic biology