AuraGen

AuraGen was a DNA-based immunotherapy platform and a series of vaccine candidates developed by AuraGen, Inc. (later acquired by PowderJect Pharmaceuticals). The technology utilized a proprietary biolistic delivery system, commonly known as a "gene gun," to deliver plasmid DNA directly into the skin. Once inside the cells, the plasmid DNA would express specific antigens to elicit a targeted T-cell mediated immune response. The lead candidate was a DNA vaccine for melanoma, which encoded the tumor-associated antigens gp100 and tyrosinase. Other candidates in the AuraGen pipeline included DNA vaccines for prostate cancer (encoding PSA) and hepatitis B. Development of these candidates was largely discontinued following the acquisition of AuraGen by PowderJect in 1999 and subsequent corporate restructuring within the vaccine industry.

Brand names

AuraGen

Other names

AuraGen DNA vaccine