World’s First Anti-Obesity Vaccine Developed in South Dakota

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Braasch Biotech, LLC of Garretson, SD has been awarded a Qualifying Therapeutic Discovery project grant by the IRS on October 29, 2010 titled “Treatment of Human Obesity by a Therapeutic Vaccination Approach”. The project involves the use of a novel therapeutic vaccine for treatment of obesity. Braasch’s core vaccine technology, Somatostatin, was awarded U.S. Patent (#7,722,881) on May 25, 2010. Somatostatin is a counter-regulatory protein hormone. Since somatostatin is the same structure in all vertebrate animals, obesity models utilizing mice and dogs are indicative of the therapeutic effect of vaccination in humans. The results of the study will have a significant impact on the development of a human obesity vaccine. Previous in-life studies demonstrated weight loss and a reduced weight gain in Diet Induced Obese (DIO) Jax® mice by vaccine treatment. The preclinical results suggest therapeutic potential of this vaccine as a drug candidate for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity.

“Treatment of Human Obesity by a Therapeutic Vaccination Approach”

Braasch Biotech, LLC is a member of South Dakota Biotechnology Association. Keith Haffer is the President and CSO of Braasch. Keith has four additional patents pending and has been invited to speak at the World Vaccine Conference on the Somatostatin approach, on April 14, 2011.

The South Dakota Biotech Association is a membership based non-profit organization serving as a resource for the emerging biotech industry in South Dakota. SD Biotech Association is an industry and university led organization that represents member companies in the areas of healthcare, food and agriculture and bioenergy. SD BIO strives to advance the bioscience industry in South Dakota through economic development, education and promotion of the industry to make a positive impact on South Dakota’s economic climate.