GeoVax Expands Strategic Presence in Europe, Targets UK for Global Vaccine and Oncology Development

Clinical-stage biotechnology company GeoVax Labs is strategically expanding its operations into Europe, with an initial focus on the United Kingdom, signaling a significant commitment to global scientific collaboration and innovation in vaccine and immuno-oncology development.

The company's expansion strategy involves establishing a presence that capitalizes on existing European connections, including scientific expertise, manufacturing partnerships, and technology licensing agreements. By targeting the UK as its initial entry point, GeoVax aims to enhance its research and development capabilities through strategic collaborations with renowned academic and industry partners.

Key to this expansion is the recruitment of Professor Teresa Lambe from the Oxford Vaccine Group to its Scientific Advisory Board. Lambe, who played a critical role in developing the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, brings extensive experience in vaccine design and evaluation. Additionally, the company has engaged Dr. Deborah Spencer to facilitate and coordinate initiatives across the UK and Europe.

The expansion supports GeoVax's dual focus on infectious disease vaccines and immuno-oncology therapies. Notably, the company will continue advancing Gedeptin®, its lead immuno-oncology candidate currently in clinical development for treating advanced head and neck cancers. The European footprint is expected to accelerate research efforts and potentially broaden the therapeutic applications of this promising treatment.

President and CEO David Dodd emphasized the strategic importance of this move, highlighting the potential for enhanced research capabilities through collaboration with globally recognized experts. The company's existing partnerships with organizations like Oxford Biomedica and ProBioGen AG provide a strong foundation for this international expansion.

GeoVax's European strategy also aligns with its ongoing clinical trials, including its next-generation COVID-19 vaccine GEO-CM04S1. The company is currently conducting multiple Phase 2 clinical trials evaluating the vaccine's efficacy for immunocompromised patients, as a booster for chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients, and as a more robust alternative to existing mRNA vaccines.

By establishing this strategic presence, GeoVax demonstrates its commitment to global scientific collaboration and positions itself to leverage international expertise in advancing innovative vaccine and cancer treatment technologies.