WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vical Incorporated (Nasdaq:VICL) announced today that the company will present an overview of its DNA vaccine and adjuvant technologies and an update on its clinical-stage vaccine development programs at the Phacilitate Vaccine Forum (Washington - January 25-27). Alain P. Rolland, Pharm.D., Ph.D., Vical's Executive Vice President of Product Development, is scheduled to present on Wednesday, January 27, at 12:55 p.m.

Dr. Rolland's presentation, "Delivery systems and adjuvants for DNA-based vaccines: Development of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines," highlights the interim Phase 2 clinical data for the company's TransVax™ therapeutic cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine for transplant recipients, and the development of its Vaxfectin^®-adjuvanted H5N1 and H1N1 pandemic influenza DNA vaccines.

About Vical

Vical researches and develops biopharmaceutical products based on its patented DNA delivery technologies for the prevention and treatment of serious or life-threatening diseases. Potential applications of the company's DNA delivery technology include DNA vaccines for infectious diseases or cancer, in which the expressed protein is an immunogen; cancer immunotherapeutics, in which the expressed protein is an immune system stimulant; and cardiovascular therapies, in which the expressed protein is an angiogenic growth factor. The company is developing certain infectious disease vaccines and cancer therapeutics internally. In addition, the company collaborates with major pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology companies that give it access to complementary technologies or greater resources. These strategic partnerships provide the company with mutually beneficial opportunities to expand its product pipeline and address significant unmet medical needs. Additional information on Vical is available at www.vical.com. 

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This press release contains forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Forward-looking statements include statements about Vical's DNA vaccine technology and Vaxfectin^® adjuvant, as well as the company's focus, collaborative partners, and product candidates. Risks and uncertainties include whether Vical or others will continue development of TransVax™ or pandemic influenza DNA vaccines or the Vaxfectin^® adjuvant; whether the company's vaccine candidates will be effective against emerging pathogens; whether any product candidates based on the company's DNA vaccine technology and/or employing the Vaxfectin^® adjuvant will be shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials; the timing, nature and cost of clinical trials; whether Vical or its collaborative partners will seek or gain approval to market any product candidates; whether Vical or its collaborative partners will succeed in marketing any product candidates; and additional risks set forth in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements represent the company's judgment as of the date of this release. The company disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

CONTACT: Vical Incorporated
         Alan R. Engbring
         (858) 646-1127
         www.vical.com