Coridon

Coridon Pty Ltd. was a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of next-generation DNA vaccines for various infectious diseases and cancers. The company was established in 2000 by Professor Ian Frazer, a distinguished immunologist recognized for his foundational work on the Gardasil® cervical cancer vaccine. This venture stemmed from Professor Frazer's research at the University of Queensland, aiming to commercialize patented technology designed to enhance immune responses to DNA vaccines.

The company's core technology centered on two main patented components: codon optimization to boost protein expression and a method using a mix of ubiquitinated and non-ubiquitinated DNA to improve T-cell and B-cell responses. Coridon's business model revolved around research and development, with the objective of taking its vaccine candidates through pre-clinical and clinical trials. Its primary market was the global pharmaceutical and vaccine industry. The company's strategy involved developing prophylactic and therapeutic DNA vaccines that offered advantages over conventional vaccines. Coridon's product pipeline included a vaccine for Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2), which demonstrated high efficacy in pre-clinical animal studies, and a therapeutic vaccine for Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The company collaborated with institutions like the University of Washington and The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center to advance its research.

A significant milestone in Coridon's history was securing a AU$3 million investment in 2010 from Allied Medical, a company associated with Andrew Forrest, the CEO of Fortescue Metals. This investment gave Allied Healthcare Group (later Admedus and then Anteris Technologies) a substantial stake in Coridon. Allied Healthcare Group continued to be a major investor, progressively increasing its holding as Coridon's development programs advanced. Ultimately, Coridon was acquired by Anteris Technologies (formerly Admedus/Allied Healthcare Group) on July 1, 2013, marking its transition from a standalone R&D entity.

Keywords: DNA vaccines, Ian Frazer, vaccine development, biopharmaceutical, immunotherapy, Herpes Simplex Virus 2, HSV-2 vaccine, Human Papillomavirus, HPV vaccine, infectious diseases, cancer research, codon optimization, translational research, Allied Healthcare Group, Admedus, Anteris Technologies, University of Queensland, Gardasil, clinical trials, prophylactic vaccine, therapeutic vaccine