Latest news with #MVA
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Business Standard
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
MVA constituents will deliberate on contesting civic polls together: Pawar
Opposition parties have accused the BJP of trying to impose Hindi in Maharashtra through deception to wipe out the Marathi language and culture Press Trust of India Pune NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Friday said that the constituents of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will deliberate on contesting the upcoming civic elections in Maharashtra together. As the Supreme Court has directed that municipal elections be conducted in the state, the process will begin soon, Pawar told reporters in Baramati. Though we have not yet held discussions with the Congress, our party, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), the Shetkari Kamgar Paksh, and other parties will come together and explore the possibility of contesting the polls together. A final decision will be taken, as we wish to fight the polls together, he said. Asked whether the MVA would jointly contest the civic polls in Mumbai, he said no such discussion has taken place so far. Among us, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) has a strong base in Mumbai, and their opinion will be taken into consideration, he added. The Bal Thackeray-founded undivided Shiv Sena had controlled the cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for more than two decades before it came under administrator rule a few years ago. After last year's assembly elections, in which the MVA could win only 46 of the state's 288 seats, the upcoming local body polls are expected to be another high-stakes contest. Responding to a query concerning Hindi as a third language in Maharashtra, Pawar said it should not be made mandatory. It should remain optional. Those who want to choose Hindi can opt for it. Just because 50 to 60 per cent of the population speaks Hindi, the language cannot be made compulsory for everyone, he said. Opposition parties have accused the BJP of trying to impose Hindi in Maharashtra through deception to wipe out the Marathi language and culture after the state government recently issued an order making Hindi generally the third language for students of Classes 1 to 5 in English and Marathi medium schools.
Medscape
2 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
HIV-1 Vaccine Shows Strong T-Cell Response in Phase 1 Study
The experimental HIV vaccine regimen exhibited an acceptable safety profile and elicited robust immune responses in 99% of trial participants from sub-Saharan Africa. Its ability to induce broad T-cell responses makes it a promising tool for HIV-1 prevention and cure strategies. METHODOLOGY: HIVconsvX is an experimental vaccine comprising six cross-clade conserved HIV immunogens, delivered in two stages using nonreplicating vectors — initially a chimpanzee adenovirus (ChAdOx1), followed by a modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA). Researchers conducted a phase 1 randomized clinical trial across clinical research centers in Uganda, Kenya, and Zambia to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the HIVconsvX T-cell vaccine, delivered in a regimen that included (C1), (M3), and (M4). Overall, 88 healthy adults without HIV-1 (median age, 30 years; 65% men) were randomly assigned to receive either the vaccine (n = 72) or placebo (n = 16) from July 2021 to November 2022 and were followed up for 40 weeks. Participants in the vaccine group received a C1 prime dose on day 0, followed by M3 and M4 boosters on day 28; participants in the placebo group received placebo doses on days 0 and 28. The primary endpoint was vaccine safety, with solicited and unsolicited adverse events, including serious events, assessed until the end of the study period and measurement of HIVconsvX-specific T-cell responses. TAKEAWAY: Overall, the vaccine regimen was well tolerated with no grade 3 solicited reactions after the C1 administration; 18% were grade 2, and only 2% were grade 3 after M3/M4. The vaccine regimen was highly immunogenic, inducing HIVconsvX-specific responses in 99% of participants who completed all vaccine doses ( P < .0001). < .0001). HIVconsvX-specific T cells peaked at a median of 2310 spots per million peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Men had significantly higher responses than women ( P = .0451). = .0451). Upon reexposure to the virus, the T cells proliferated and neutralized HIV-1 isolates from clades A, B, C, and D. IN PRACTICE: 'We foresee the future development and use of the HIVconsvX vaccines as a potentially key component of a combined package of tools for cure and prevention,' the authors wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Chama Chanda, MB ChB, Center for Family Health Research Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia. It was published online on May 16, 2025, in The Lancet Microbe . LIMITATIONS: This study looked at responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, whereas control of HIV-1 is primarily mediated in lymphoid organs and tissues, such as the gut. DISCLOSURES: This study was funded by the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership. One author was a co-inventor of the HIVconsvX immunogens. Other authors declared having no competing interests.
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
GeoVax Highlights Positive Immune Response Results From GEO-CM04S1 in CLL Patients at the European Hematology Association 2025 Meeting
GEO-CM04S1 Demonstrates Superior T Cell Responses Compared to mRNA Vaccine in Phase 2 Trial Among Immunocompromised Patients ATLANTA, GA - June 17, 2025 ( NEWMEDIAWIRE ) - GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing multi-antigen vaccines and immunotherapies for infectious diseases and cancer, today highlighted new clinical data presented at the 2025 European Hematology Association (EHA) Hybrid Congress, which took place June 12-15 in Milan, Italy. The data were featured in a poster presentation by Alexey V. Danilov, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Director of the Toni Stephenson Lymphoma Center and Professor in the Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Duarte, California. The poster titled 'MVA-Based GEO-CM04S1 Vaccine Results in Improved Cellular Immune Response in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Compared with mRNA-Based Vaccine: Initial Results of a Phase II Randomized Study', detailed findings from an ongoing randomized Phase 2 clinical trial (NCT05672355), and highlighted interim results showing superior cellular immune responses induced by GEO-CM04S1 compared to those induced by an authorized mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine in CLL patients, a population known to exhibit suboptimal protective responses to COVID-19 and other vaccines due to immune dysfunction. Key Findings from the Study 'These findings reinforce the clinical and immunologic advantages of our multi-antigen approach,' said Kelly T. McKee, Jr., M.D., Chief Medical Officer of GeoVax. 'GEO-CM04S1's robust cellular response in immunocompromised individuals, especially patients with hematologic malignancies like CLL, provides further validation of our MVA platform's potential to address critical gaps in COVID-19 protection.' About GEO-CM04S1 GEO-CM04S1 is a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine based on a synthetic Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vector. Unlike single-antigen vaccines, it expresses both the Spike (S) and Nucleocapsid (N) proteins of SARS-CoV-2, aiming to provide broader, cross-reactive, and more durable immunity. The vaccine is currently being evaluated in three Phase 2 clinical trials across various patient populations, including immunocompromised individuals and healthy adults. About GeoVax GeoVax Labs, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel vaccines against infectious diseases and therapies for solid tumor cancers. The Company's lead clinical program is GEO-CM04S1, a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine currently in three Phase 2 clinical trials, being evaluated as (1) a primary vaccine for immunocompromised patients such as those suffering from hematologic cancers and other patient populations for whom the current authorized COVID-19 vaccines are insufficient, (2) a booster vaccine in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and (3) a more robust, durable COVID-19 booster among healthy patients who previously received the mRNA vaccines. In oncology the lead clinical program is evaluating a novel oncolytic solid tumor gene-directed therapy, Gedeptin(R), having recently completed a multicenter Phase 1/2 clinical trial for advanced head and neck cancers. GeoVax is also developing a vaccine targeting Mpox and smallpox and, based on recent regulatory guidance, anticipates progressing directly to a Phase 3 clinical evaluation, omitting Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials. GeoVax has a strong IP portfolio in support of its technologies and product candidates, holding worldwide rights for its technologies and products. For more information about the current status of our clinical trials and other updates, visit our website: Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements regarding GeoVax's business plans. The words 'believe,' 'look forward to,' 'may,' 'estimate,' 'continue,' 'anticipate,' 'intend,' 'should,' 'plan,' 'could,' 'target,' 'potential,' 'is likely,' 'will,' 'expect' and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Actual results may differ materially from those included in these statements due to a variety of factors, including whether: GeoVax is able to obtain acceptable results from ongoing or future clinical trials of its investigational products, GeoVax's immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines can provoke the desired responses, and those products or vaccines can be used effectively, GeoVax's viral vector technology adequately amplifies immune responses to cancer antigens, GeoVax can develop and manufacture its immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines with the desired characteristics in a timely manner, GeoVax's immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines will be safe for human use, GeoVax's vaccines will effectively prevent targeted infections in humans, GeoVax's immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines will receive regulatory approvals necessary to be licensed and marketed, GeoVax raises required capital to complete development, there is development of competitive products that may be more effective or easier to use than GeoVax's products, GeoVax will be able to enter into favorable manufacturing and distribution agreements, and other factors, over which GeoVax has no control. Further information on our risk factors is contained in our periodic reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K that we have filed and will file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law. Company Contact: [email protected] 678-384-7220 Investor Relations Contact: [email protected] 212-698-8696 Media Contact: Jessica Starman [email protected]
NDTV
5 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
From Dadar To Reshimbagh, Political Groundwork Begins For Maharashtra Civic Polls
Mumbai: As civic polls draw near in Maharashtra, political parties have shifted into full gear, holding internal meetings, strategy camps, and grassroots outreach programmes - some across the state, others concentrated in their traditional strongholds. While the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) remains intact at the state level, there is still no clarity on whether the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar), and Congress will contest the municipal elections together. On the ground, however, each party is mobilising its cadre independently. On the other side, the Mahayuti alliance has signalled its intention to work together where necessary, but has also underlined that individual parties will prioritise giving opportunities to their local workers. NCP (Sharad Pawar) Holds 'Sankalp Shibir' In Mumbai Five days after its grand celebration marking 26 years since its founding, the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) held a day-long Sankalp Shibir in Mumbai's Ghatkopar. The event was widely seen as an effort to assert the party's presence in Mumbai - a city where it has limited electoral strength on its own. But as youth wing leader Fahadh Ahmed put it, "We will make sure the Mayor of the city is made with the help of NCP (SP)." Sharad Pawar addressed party functionaries from Mumbai, urging them to stay united and prepare for the political struggle ahead. "This camp has been organised today to prepare collectively for the upcoming political struggle," he said. Reflecting on recent election results, he added, "We saw good success in the Lok Sabha elections, but the same was not reflected in the Vidhan Sabha." Mr Pawar acknowledged public suspicion around the electoral process and emphasised that local leaders must take the lead: "We are preparing to face the Mumbai municipal elections... Whatever decision Rakhi Jadhav takes, we will stand firmly behind her." The party has launched a new ideological slogan - "Tukaram vs Nathuram" - to underscore its message ahead of the campaign. The shibir is also seen as a response to recent local-level defections to the rival NCP faction. Jayant Patil, meanwhile, attacked the BJP for allegedly shifting key projects out of Mumbai. "The IFSC Centre planned for BKC was shifted overnight to Gujarat... the National Marine Police Security and NSG centres were also moved," he said. Mr Patil alleged attempts to weaken Mumbai financially, claiming the patent office headquarters had been moved to Delhi. He also criticised the state government and BMC over stalled civic works and waterlogging issues. "Despite Rs 1,000 crore spent, the city continues to face waterlogging," he said, adding that BEST's fleet had reduced drastically even as ticket prices rose. Mr Patil called on workers to prepare for elections at the ward level, stressing the need for new faces and active social media engagement. "We haven't decided on MVA yet - we may fight together or separately," he said, adding that internal groundwork must begin regardless. Shiv Sena (UBT) Pushes Grassroots Preparedness Shiv Sena (UBT), a key MVA partner, has also begun preparations with a meeting of all Shakha Pramukhs. Party leader Uddhav Thackeray took stock of organisational readiness and instructed local heads to start immediate outreach. Each ward-level leader has been directed to reach out to at least 300 households, strengthen booth-level structures, and highlight the difference between the party's past governance and the current administration. With BMC elections happening after seven years, the party is aiming for a complete majority and a symbolic "saffron flag over the corporation." Internal meetings, voter list audits, inter-shakha coordination, and field visits by deputy mayor-responsible units are now underway. The party is focusing on its past governance record - particularly in water supply, health, sanitation, education, and the delivery of major projects like the Coastal Road. BJP-RSS Coordination Meeting Focuses On Cadre Training On the other side, BJP leaders including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule attended a lengthy coordination meeting with the RSS at Smriti Mandir in Nagpur. The meeting, which lasted for over four hours, included detailed discussions on how to prepare party workers for the upcoming local body elections. A key focus was the "Ghar Chalo" campaign - an outreach effort to take state and central schemes to every household. Training BJP workers on scheme delivery and communication was prioritised, with an emphasis on public awareness. Given that this year marks the RSS centenary, the gathering also deliberated on "Panch Parivartan" (Five Transformations) including social harmony, citizen duties, family values, environmental consciousness, and Sanskrit promotion. Upcoming programmes like "Yuva Samvad" (Youth Dialogue) and continued cadre strengthening were also discussed.
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Pune: Pharma student killed in car accident; two arrested
A 21-year-old student walking on footpath died after being hit by a car near Atrashee Society in Sukhsagar area of Katraj on Friday afternoon, a police official said. Shreya Yeole of Khandoba Temple area in Kondhwa was returning home from her internship at a private clinic in Gokulnagar around 2.30pm when the incident occurred. Eyewitnesses said the car driver lost control, climbed footpath and the woman was trapped between a tree and the four-wheeler. 'She died on the spot. The car involved in the accident belonged to a private fleet operator and was assigned to one Satish Honmane, though it was being driven at the time of the incident by Dattatray Gadekar, who allegedly does not have a licence,' the Bharti Vidyapeeth Police Station official said. Preliminary probe suggests Gadekar, who is not well-versed in driving, lost control of the vehicle and ran over Yeole, he said. Police investigation found that Honmane was teaching driving session to his relative Gadekar when the accident took place. 'Honmane had allowed Gadekar to drive despite knowing he lacked a valid licence. Both have been arrested under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Motor Vehicles Act (MVA),' he said. (With agency inputs)
