Synthetic Biologics, Inc., a developer of novel anti-infective biologic and drug candidates targeting specific pathogens that cause serious infections and diseases, announced that Jennifer Maynard, Ph.D., of The University of Texas at Austin's McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering will highlight Synthetic Biologics' SYN-005 monoclonal antibody (mAb) combination for the treatment of Pertussis (whooping cough) in a poster presentation. Dr. Maynard is scheduled to present at the Microbial Toxins & Pathogenicity conference held by Gordon Research Conferences on July 20-25, 2014, in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, United States.

Synthetic Biologics is developing SYN-005 through its Exclusive Channel Collaboration with Intrexon Corporation (NYSE: XON) and academic researchers at The University of Texas at Austin to target and neutralize the pertussis toxin in order to reduce morbidity and mortality in infected infants. Pertussis is a highly contagious disease caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis (B. pertussis) with symptoms that may include chronic coughing and subsequent breathing difficulties. According to the World Health Organization, there are  approximately 50 million worldwide cases of whooping cough each year, leading to an estimated 300,000 deaths, primarily among young, unvaccinated infants.

The poster, titled "Rational Design in Immunotherapeutics to Treat Disease Caused by Bordetellae," will describe the rationale and design of Synthetic Biologics' proprietary combination of synergistic humanized monoclonal antibodies, known as SYN-005, which is intended to target and neutralize the pertussis toxin. Dr. Maynard will also present the data from murine and non-human primate models of Pertussis using the unique SYN-005 antibody combination.

In April 2014, Synthetic Biologics reported positive preclinical results from non-human primate, Pertussis studies of SYN-005, which were associated with favorable decreases in white blood cell counts within two days of treatment and the achievement of nearly normal levels within one week.

"We are pleased to have Dr. Maynard share the research and strong body of evidence supporting the clinical development of SYN-005," stated Jeffrey Riley, Chief Executive Officer of Synthetic Biologics. "Based on the positive non-human primate and murine model findings, Synthetic Biologics has begun manufacturing SYN-005, and remains on track to file an IND to support a Phase I clinical trial expected to initiate during the first half of 2015. In addition, we have submitted an Orphan Drug designation request for SYN-005 for the treatment of Pertussis."

Synthetic Biologics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on the development of novel anti-infective biologic and drug candidates targeting specific pathogens that cause serious infections and diseases.