What a shot in the arm (pardon the analogy) it is to learn that strides, however small, are being made in the battle to fight diseases in general. Uppermost in everyone’s mind, however, is the dreaded coronavirus, and any cheery news is welcome.
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia-baesd IMV Inc. (TSX:IMV) provided some of that cheer Wednesday. The clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company announced it is advancing the clinical development of a DPX-based vaccine candidate against COVID-19. Vaccines against infectious disease have been a core part of IMV’s heritage across its DPX platform technology.
The goal of this development program will be to establish the clinical safety and immunogenicity of a vaccine candidate based on the Company’s DPX delivery technology and incorporating peptides targeting novel epitopes from the coronavirus strain. IMV is of the opinion that this peptide-based approach, combined with the portability of the DPX platform, offers the potential for accelerated development and rapid, large-scale production of a vaccine.
Investors warmed to the new development, pumping the stock price 24 cents, or 8.3%, to $3.14, on volume of 822,000 shares.
Not to be outdone, Beverly Hills-based TOMI Environmental Solutions (OTC:TOMZ) announced its Binary Ionization Technology® (BIT™) Solution has qualified to meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s Emerging Viral Pathogen Guidance for Antimicrobial Pesticides with the SteraMist Environment System for room fogging/misting against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 (COVID-19).
TOMI specializes in disinfection and decontamination, utilizing its premier BIT platform through its SteraMist products - a hydrogen peroxide-based mist and fog composed of ionized Hydrogen Peroxide (iHP).
CEO Halden Shane said, “The developments behind the new SARS CoV-2 virus brings new importance to our efforts to work together with our clients in our ongoing mission to help protect life. In the wake of this difficult time, we are grateful to be able to serve customers, protect communities, and help individuals all over the world.”
Shares grew 2.8 cents, or 4.4%, to 65.8 cents, on 1.7 million shares.
