Vion Pharmaceuticals Inc has been awarded two Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Cancer Institute (NCI). The grants support preclinical studies intended to further enhance the selective tumor colonization and the anti-tumor potential of Salmonella bacteria related to Vion's TAPET anticancer technology.

The first grant will be conducted in collaboration with Yale University. This grant focuses on genetic improvements of the TAPET base vector which are anticipated to significantly improve selective colonization in human tumors.

The second grant supports further research to enhance the antitumor activity of Salmonella bacteria once the bacteria have grown to large numbers within the tumor. The grant will focus on bacterial expression and delivery of an antagonist of EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), which is over-expressed in many solid tumors. Inhibition of the binding of EGF to EGFR can have significant antitumor effects. Salmonella bacteria have the potential ability to produce the antagonist directly within the tumor. The work conducted under this grant could lead to an "armed" TAPET vector.

Alan Kessman, Vion's Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are pleased to receive these SBIR grants related to TAPET because they assist us in funding further preclinical research and are an indication from our peers of the continued merit of this work."