VGX Pharmaceuticals Inc. (VGX) has formed a wholly owned subsidiary, VGX Animal Health, Inc. (VGX AH). The newly established company will include the animal health intellectual property and technology that came to VGX as a result of its acquisition of ADViSYS in February of this year. Additionally, VGX AH will have access to VGX's adaptive electroporation device, Cellectra for all animal health applications.

The VGX AH pipeline includes proprietary Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) plasmid technology for major food and companion animals. The company's lead product, Life Tide SW5 a GHRH porcine product, is currently in registration in Australia. Also in phase II of development are canine GHRH products for renal failure and cancer related cachexia and anaemia. VGX AH has multiple product candidates in phase I, including indications for equine laminitis and arthritis.

VGX AH will be seeking alliance partners to help in its development and commercialization efforts in major markets throughout the world.

Dr. J. Joseph Kim, president and CEO of VGX Pharmaceuticals, commented, "The formation of VGX AH will allow us to maximize the commercial potential of this important portfolio of animal health technologies, while at the same time allowing us to maintain focus on the continued development and expansion of our core human health biopharmaceutical business opportunities."