NineSigma and IAVI partner to seek innovative solutions to AIDS vaccine challenges

NineSigma and IAVI Partner to Find Novel Solutions to Support the Development of an AIDS Vaccine

The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) will utilize NineSigma’s proven Open Innovation approach to find breakthrough protein-stabilizing solutions that can be used to create an effective AIDS vaccine.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – October 26, 2010 – NineSigma, the leading provider of open innovation solutions, announced they will work with The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) to address one of the greatest scientific challenges for the development of an AIDS vaccine.  NineSigma will invite responses from solution providers globally on new approaches for generating stable protein complexes that can be used to generate an effective vaccine against HIV infection.  Through NineSigma Request 66702, IAVI is offering one-time grants of up to $500,000 for 18 months for successful proposals.

“AIDS is among the most devastating pandemics the world has ever experienced,” said Dr. Seth Berkley, chief executive officer of IAVI. “Every day more than 7,500 people become infected with HIV. Although researchers have made great strides in AIDS vaccine research and development in the past decade, we have not been able to design a vaccine that elicits an effective antibody response.  At IAVI, we are optimistic that our search through NineSigma’s global innovation network will yield some promising new approaches not previously considered.” 

“It is a very interesting time in AIDS vaccine research, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to work with IAVI on this critical scientific challenge,” said Dr. Matthew Heim, president of NineSigma. “One of the key advantages we bring to the project is our ability to reach beyond traditional networks and create connections that otherwise wouldn’t exist. We applaud the vast achievements of all who have participated in the AIDS vaccine initiative and are proud to be a part of this vital global effort.” 

NineSigma’s Request on behalf of IAVI, titled Engineering Stable Proteins, invites preliminary 3-page proposals for generating a stable and soluble trimeric HIV spike protein. Responses from companies (small to large), academic researchers, other research institutes, consultants, entrepreneurs, or inventors are welcome. All documents and questions must be submitted to NineSigma at PHD@ninesigma.com.  Proposals or questions sent directly to IAVI will not be considered.  The due date for responses is January 31, 2011.

About NineSigma 
NineSigma helps Global 1000 companies and other innovation-driven entities Engage with the global innovation community and Enable their organizations to more effectively adopt external knowledge and resources. Companies such as Kraft, Philips, L’Oreal, Unilever, Denso and Suntory utilize NineSigma’s open innovation services to solve immediate challenges, fill product pipelines and integrate new knowledge and capabilities into their organizations. NineSigma has the largest open global network of solution providers and an extensive database of existing solutions that spans all industries and technical disciplines. The company has operations in the United States, Europe and Asia. Learn more about NineSigma at http://www.ninesigma.com/.

The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative 
IAVI is a global not-for-profit organization whose mission is to ensure the development of safe, effective, accessible, preventive HIV vaccines for use throughout the world. Founded in 1996 and operational in 25 countries, IAVI and its network of collaborators research and develop vaccine candidates.  IAVI was founded with the generous support of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, The Starr Foundation, and Until There’s A Cure Foundation.  Other major supporters include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, The John D. Evans Foundation, The New York Community Trust, the James B. Pendleton Charitable Trust; the Governments of Canada, Denmark, India, Ireland, Japan, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the Basque Autonomous Government (Spain), the European Union as well as the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and The City of New York, Economic Development Corporation; multilateral organizations such as The World Bank and The OPEC Fund for International Development; corporate donors including BD (Becton, Dickinson & Co.), Bristol-Myers Squibb, Continental Airlines, Google Inc., Pfizer Inc, and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.; leading AIDS charities such as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS; and many generous individuals from around the world.  For more information, see http://www.iavi.org.

Media Contacts:

Bronwyn Monroe, NineSigma
pr@ninesigma.com
216-295-4822

Lisa Beyer,  IAVI|
lbeyer@iavi.org
212-847-1090