BioVaxys Technology Corp.: Thriving with Novel Immunotherapy Platform

BioVaxys Technology Corp

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With the development of checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, CAR-T cells, and cancer vaccines, immunotherapy has emerged as one of the most advanced treatment areas. Immunotherapeutics will be a driver in the next wave of treatment solutions, and one of the leading companies that is working to develop immunotherapy-based vaccines and treatments is BioVaxys.

The Next Wave of Immunotherapeutics

BioVaxys was founded in 2018 around a novel oncology platform based on the scientifically established concept of immune system activation by haptenization of tumor antigens. The platform, developed by clinical oncologist and BioVaxys Chief Medical Officer David Berd, M.D., while at Thomas Jefferson University, yielded proven ‘first-generation’ vaccines with extensive Phase I and Phase II clinical data in over 660 melanoma and ovarian cancer patients. BioVaxys leveraged this first-generation technology platform to create the next generation of more advanced tumor vaccines which form the core of its product portfolio. In 2020, the company was acquired by Lions Bay Mining Corp. and subsequently became BioVaxys Technology Corp. (CSE: BIOV) (FRA: 5LB) (OTCQB: BVAXF).

Haptenized Protein Platform

BioVaxys is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company that develops novel approaches to harness T cells to treat cancer and to detect and prevent emerging infectious diseases. Its haptenized protein platform flags tumor cells or viral proteins for destruction by the immune system. The platform also offers broad applications to create precision immunotherapies in oncology for a range of tumor types as well as novel vaccines and diagnostics for emerging viral diseases, such as coronaviruses. BioVaxys has three lead programs:

  • BVX-0918: An immunotherapeutic vaccine for ovarian cancer entering phase I in the EU
  • BVX-0320: A highly promising vaccine for SARS-CoV-2
  • CoviDTH©: A potential game-changing and rapid, low-cost, accurate COVID-19 diagnostic measuring T cell immunity using delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH)

Currently, there are no viable therapeutic options for treating the later stages of ovarian cancer and it is difficult to diagnose at an early and treatable stage. BioVaxys’ solution to this unmet need is the development of BVX-0918, a potential vaccine for treating refractory Stage III and Stage IV ovarian cancer. A significant number of patients who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer are Stage III or Stage IV, the target population for BVX-0918.

SARS-CoV-2 S-Spike Protein Vaccine and Screening

The emergency crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic compelled many healthcare companies to explore potential solutions. During the early stages of the pandemic, much discussion focused on the need to generate an antibody response to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Since then, one conclusion from the scientific community is the critical importance of stimulating long-term, persistent, SARS-CoV-2 specific T-cell immune responses while neutralizing antibodies are observed to decay post-vaccination. BioVaxys’ response has been twofold: 1) leveraging its haptenized protein platform to develop a haptenized SARS-CoV-2 S-spike protein vaccine and 2) the development of CoviDTH©, a low-cost screening tool.

BioVaxys recently discovered that BVX-0320 activated CD4+ helper T cells and CD8+ killer T cells that express the activation markers, CD69 and CD25. This result indicated that immunization with BVX-0320 stimulates immune system memory ‘helper’ T-cells and killer T cells. CD4+ T-cells are crucial in achieving a regulated, effective immune response to viral pathogens and are central to adaptive immune responses. Generated following an immune response, memory ‘helper’ CD4+ T-cells retain information about the virus, which enables them to respond rapidly after viral exposure. CD8+ T cells can kill cells infected by the virus, thereby stopping viral replication in those cells. The Company also recently announced a major sponsored research collaboration with The Ohio State University that will further leverage BioVaxys’ haptenized viral antigen platform technology to help create a universal pan-sarbecovirus vaccine that could potentially prevent additional emergent variants.

Current tests of immunity to SARS-CoV-2 detect antibody response. However, T cell-mediated immunity is equally or more important, with persistence that can last for years, while antibody response wanes in months. CoviDTH© is a low-cost, disposable, point-of-care screening tool that administers a purified, recombinant, non-infective SARS-CoV-2 S spike protein under the skin and produces a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction within hours.

A Team of Dedicated Professionals

The founders and the senior management team of BioVaxys possess decades of experience in clinical oncology, medical research, private equity, and biopharma commercial development. Included in their collective backgrounds, the BioVaxys team has antiviral and anticancer therapeutics development and commercialization experience. This includes being instrumental in founding, funding, and operating multiple life science companies in these fields. Every member of the BioVaxys team is equally involved in strategic decision-making and R&D planning. Additionally, the company has recently expanded its team to include top talent in the regulatory, CMC, and bio-manufacturing fields, as well as a world-class scientific advisory team of virologists, clinical oncologists, and immunologists.

Every member of BioVaxys is focused on the common goal of developing life-saving therapeutics and diagnostics, with the team working to deliver solutions for patients with advanced refractory ovarian cancer and the global population that needs protection from SARS-CoV-2, its emerging variants, and other sarbecoviruses.

Future of the Healthcare Industry

COVID-19 was a major awakening for unprepared and complacent world governments, healthcare practitioners, and the global population. It is a universal fact that the existing viruses can and will mutate into unknown genetic combinations. Also, there might be an emergence of other new diseases or pandemics in the future due to air travel, population growth, and increased close contact with animal vectors. Striving to combat these adversities, BioVaxys aims to be prepared for such emergencies through its ongoing development of therapeutic and diagnostic solutions.

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