Immunovaccine Presents Findings of Cancer Vaccine Studies at AACR Meeting

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwire - April 3, 2012) - Immunovaccine Inc. (TSX VENTURE:IMV) announced new findings today at the 2012 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) meeting, which show that combining a DepoVax™-based vaccine with repeated low doses of cyclophosphamide can effectively eliminate tumor growth in animal models. The approach is believed to address the challenges of tumor-induced immune suppression hampering therapeutic cancer vaccines. The animal results show that a DepoVax-based therapeutic cancer vaccine mounted an enhanced anti-tumor response despite being applied much later following tumor implantation.

The combination regimen incorporating cyclophosphamide mirrors Immunovaccine's DPX-Survivac Phase I and II clinical trial design. DPX-Survivac is being tested in a Phase I trial at several sites across North America, targeting patients with ovarian cancer.

"We showed that a cancer vaccine can be more successful when a tumor is simultaneously assaulted by more than one method," said Dr. Marc Mansour, Immunovaccine's chief science officer. "Compounds that are immune modulating, anti-angiogenic or even chemotherapeutic may combine extremely well with a vaccine approach."

The AACR poster (Abstract #4405) described a study in tumor-bearing mice using a therapeutic vaccine formulated with the DepoVax adjuvanting platform combined with repeated low dose cyclophosphamide. Established tumors were effectively eliminated with no evidence of tumor recurrence. The results showed an increase in cell-mediated cytotoxic activity and reduced counts of B cells and regulatory T cells. It is thought that the combination approach conditioned the immune system and the tumor in the animals to create an environment where the cancer vaccine can have a more pronounced anti-tumor effect.

A second AACR poster (Abstract #4285) provided direct evidence of the mechanism of action for DepoVax-based vaccines using magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI). Upon injection, DepoVax creates a unique depot actively cleared by the immune system over a prolonged period of time. This increases exposure of antigen presenting cells of the immune system to antigens and adjuvants contained in DepoVax. The controlled clearance and uptake of vaccine ingredients is likely a key factor in generating the enhanced immune responses observed with DepoVax.

The two AACR poster presentations are currently available at www.imvaccine.com:

1. Abstract #4405 "Immune modulation and Treg suppression with metronomic cyclophosphamide enhances the anti-tumor effect of a therapeutic peptide vaccine in a murine model"
2. Abstract #4285 "Visualizing cancer vaccine clearance in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging"

About Immunovaccine

Immunovaccine Inc. develops vaccines formulated in its DepoVax™ vaccine adjuvanting platform for cancer therapy and infectious disease. The Company has taken its patented platform technology and proprietary cancer vaccine into Phase I human trials and has demonstrated its safety and immunogenicity potential. Immunovaccine is also capitalizing on the broad potential of its delivery platform by creating new DepoVax-based vaccines through multiple development collaborations. In addition to the Company's human health vaccine strategy, it continues to capture value from animal health vaccine applications. Pfizer Animal Health has licensed the Company's delivery technology platform to develop vaccines for livestock. www.imvaccine.com or www.twitter.com/immunovaccine.

This press release contains forward-looking information under applicable securities law. All information that addresses activities or developments that we expect to occur in the future is forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management on the date the statements are made. However, they should not be regarded as a representation that any of the plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this press release due to risks affecting the Company, including access to capital, the successful completion of clinical trials and receipt of all regulatory approvals. Immunovaccine Inc. assumes no responsibility to update forward-looking statements in this press release except as required by law.