Vaccinex Announces Creation of Eight New Antibody Discovery Agreements
Vaccinex, a biotechnology company specializing in Alzheimer’s disease and cancer treatments, has announced the creation of eight new antibody discovery agreements. These agreements will utilize Vaccinex’s proprietary ActivMAb platform, which allows for the selection of antibodies against challenging transmembrane protein targets.
President and CEO’s Perspective
The company’s President and CEO, Maurice Zauderer, emphasized the growing interest in their drug discovery technology. He believes this reflects a renewed focus on neglected biotech pipelines and a more optimistic market outlook. The ActivMAb platform stands out for its ability to target multi-pass membrane proteins, including G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs).
ActivMAb Platform Advantages
ActivMAb achieves targeting of complex proteins by expressing them on the membrane of a mammalian virus. This provides a more efficient and purified selection process compared to traditional methods.
Recent Milestones
ActivMAb has already achieved significant milestones, such as the selection of CHS-114, a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting CCR8 for cancer immunotherapy. This antibody is currently in clinical development.
Focus on Neurodegenerative Diseases and Cancer
Vaccinex continues to prioritize neurodegenerative diseases and cancer with its lead drug candidate, pepinemab, designed to block SEMA4D. Pepinemab is being studied in multiple clinical trials for Alzheimer’s Disease, Huntington’s disease, head and neck cancer in combination with KEYTRUDA®, and pancreatic adenocarcinoma in combination with BAVENCIO®.
Forward-Looking Statements
The company’s forward-looking statements express their intentions and expectations for the applications of the ActivMAb platform, the progress of their clinical development programs, and the commercial potential of their product candidates. Vaccinex acknowledges the potential risks and uncertainties that could impact these outcomes, including regulatory approvals and their reliance on their lead product candidate.
Analyst comment
Positive news. Vaccinex’s announcement of eight new antibody discovery agreements utilizing their ActivMAb platform reflects a growing interest in their technology and a more optimistic market outlook. The platform’s ability to target challenging transmembrane protein targets, including GPCRs, has already achieved significant milestones, such as the selection of a fully human monoclonal antibody for cancer immunotherapy. The company continues to prioritize neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, with their lead drug candidate in multiple clinical trials. However, potential risks and uncertainties, such as regulatory approvals, exist. Market response may be positive, with increased interest in Vaccinex and potential growth in the biotech sector.
