ABL Awarded Six New NIH Task Orders to Provide Expanded Support of HIV Prevention Products in the Pediatric Population

https://ablinc.com/about-abl/news/news-item/abl-awarded-six-6-new-nih-task-orders-under-rapps-contract-to-provide-expanded-support-of-hiv-prevention-products-in-the-pediatric-population/

Rockville, MD, United States, September 16, 2024 – Advanced BioScience Laboratories (ABL), a global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) for biotherapies, oncolytics and viral vector vaccines, announces it has been awarded six (6) new task orders under parent contract 75N93023D00001 “Resources to Advance Pediatrics and HIV Prevention Science” (RAPPS) by the Division of AIDS (DAIDS) within the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

ABL and its partners will provide DAIDS with expertise in (i) taste science to develop combinations of bitter taste receptor blockers that will significantly blunt the bitterness of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) under Task Orders 75N93024F00001 and 75N93024F00002, (ii) professional pharmaceutical project management related to Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) per Task Order 75N93024F00003, (iii) pediatric animal models on Task Order 75N93024F00004, (iv) artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) to enhance existing database for excipients via Task Order 75N93024F00005, and (v) product development lifecycle in support of Task Order 75N93024F00006. Collectively, these task orders will further preclinical research geared towards the development of age-appropriate pediatric formulations for the treatment and/or prevention of HIV and comorbidities, like Tuberculosis.

Since the 1980s, ABL scientists have been actively supporting NIAID’s mission, contributing to research on HIV pathogenesis and the development of HIV targeted therapeutics and vaccines.

“ABL is committed to continuing our long-standing relationship with the DAIDS through the provision of preclinical services required to advance the development of biomedical prevention concepts toward the clinical phase.  These new task orders will bring together a cadre of subject matter experts from academia, pharmaceutical industry and pediatricians to help drive strategic decisions that are consistent with recommendations by other key stakeholders, e.g. World Health Organization (WHO), Pediatric Antiretroviral Drug Optimization (PADO), Global Accelerator for Pediatric Formulations Network (GAP-f), European Pediatric Formulation Initiative (EuPFi), and the International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials (IMPAACT) Network,  to name a few.  We look forward to continuing to serve as the collaborative bridge between DAIDS and the most innovative investigators in the field, supporting its mission to prevent, treat and cure HIV, particularly in the most vulnerable and underserved pediatric population,” said Peter Silvera, Principal Investigator, Innovation and Translation at ABL.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), worldwide, there are over 38 million individuals living with HIV, with an estimated 4,000 new infections daily. The development of safe, effective and acceptable products to treat or prevent the transmission of HIV plays a major role in the global reduction of HIV infections. Women and girls remain disproportionately affected, representing 53% of all people living with HIV. Moreover, despite the development of effective treatment and prevention regimens, lack of access and poor product adherence remain significant barriers for these at-risk populations.  Notably, only about one quarter of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs approved for adults by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA) are approved for children younger than two years.  With ABL’s extensive scientific roots and historical focus on HIV, DAIDS will be able to realize the development and advancement of promising HIV prevention products for the pediatric population.

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The NIH, the US medical research agency, includes 27 institutes and centers and is a component of the US Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research. It investigates the causes, treatments and cures for both common and rare diseases.

For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov

About ABL

ABL, Inc. is a contract development and manufacturing organization dedicated to advancing therapeutics, vaccines and other biological products. ABL has extensive experience in the management and oversight of complex product development programs and working with diverse organizations including industry, government and academic entities. When required, ABL brings together industry-leading experts and service providers to form effective, dynamic teams who provide meaningful solutions for our clients. ABL also maintains GMP facilities meeting U.S. regulatory standards, providing manufacturing capabilities for the development and production of virus-based oncolytic therapies, gene therapies and viral vaccines. Our services include production of bulk drug substance, live virus fill/finish, process development, assay development and scientific program management.

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