Vical Announces News Release and Conference Call/Webcast Schedule to Present TransVax(tm) CMV Vaccine Phase 2 Interim Efficacy Results

SAN DIEGO, July 7, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vical Incorporated (Nasdaq:VICL) today announced that the company will report tomorrow the interim efficacy results from the company's Phase 2 trial evaluating the potential for its TransVax(tm) therapeutic DNA vaccine to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation and disease in immunosuppressed stem cell transplant recipients. CMV and organ transplant expert Mark D. Pescovitz, M.D., Professor of Surgery and Microbiology & Immunology, and Vice Chair of Research in Surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine, is scheduled to join Vical management on the call.

The company will release summary results before the opening of trading on Wednesday, July 8, and conduct an audio-only conference call and audio/slide webcast at 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, July 8, to discuss additional details of the results with invited analysts and institutional investors. The call is open on a listen-only basis to any interested parties. The webcast audio and slides also will be available live and archived through the Events page of the company's website at www.vical.com.

To listen to the conference call, dial (877) 857-6177, or (719) 325-4838 for international participants. A replay of the call will be available for 48 hours beginning about two hours after the call. To listen to the replay, dial (888) 203-1112, or (719) 457-0820 for international participants, and enter conference identification number 4682239. For further information, contact Vical's Investor Relations department by phone at (858) 646-1127 or by e-mail at info@vical.com.

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.

The Vical Incorporated logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=5768

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 the company's focus, collaborative partners, product candidates, and developmental status. Risks and uncertainties include whether Vical or others will continue development of TransVax(tm) or any other product candidates; whether TransVax(tm) or any other product candidates will be shown to be safe and effective; the timing, nature and cost of clinical trials; whether Vical or its collaborative partners will seek or gain approval to market TransVax(tm) or any other product candidates; the dependence of the company on its collaborative partners; 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