Novozymes Biopharma Announces Agreement With EpiVax

Novozymes Biopharma recently announced a collaborative research agreement with Rhode Island-based biotech company, EpiVax, Inc. to help further the development of a potential paradigm-shifting treatment for autoimmune diseases. The research agreement will involve linking EpiVax’s proprietary Tregitope (T regulatory epitopes) immune-modulating therapy for the treatment of type 1 diabetes, to Novozymes’ proven Albufuse half-life extension platform, helping to enhance its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. As a result, it will be possible to modulate half-life of the therapy to offer improved control, enhancing the overall efficacy of treatment.

“Novozymes is delighted to announce a research agreement with EpiVax in the key area of autoimmune diseases treatment,” said Dave Mead, Business Development Director at Novozymes Biopharma. “The two technologies jointly have a role to play in a wide-range of treatments for autoimmune diseases. By taking EpiVax’s pioneering therapy and combining it with Novozymes’ versatile and clinically demonstrated Albufuse technology, along with the unparalleled expertise of our R&D scientists, we will work together to move the treatment to the next stage in its development.”

EpiVax has identified a set of natural Tregitopes derived from Immunoglobulin G (IgG) that induce tolerance to immunogenic proteins. Preliminary studies in the area of type 1 diabetes have indicated that Tregitopes specifically induce natural Tregs and, when co-administered with an antigen, lead to the expansion of antigen-specific regulatory T cells. Modulation of auto-immune responses to autologous epitopes by induction of antigen-specific tolerance may prevent ongoing beta-cell destruction and restore the production of insulin. Combining EpiVax’s therapy with Novozymes’ robust and proven Albufuse technology will create a safe and effective platform for application of tregitopes to multiple autoimmunity, transplantation, and allergy conditions.

“Novozymes’ proven solutions, technical expertise, and reputation as a reliable partner makes it the ideal company for us to work with as we move our Tregitope immune-modulating technology closer to clinical trials. By bringing together our unique knowledge and experience in our respective fields, we look to develop an industry-changing technology that will make significant advancements in treating patients with autoimmune diseases,” said Dr. Annie De Groot, CEO/CSO at EpiVax, Inc.

Novozymes’ albumin-based technology offers significant benefits for delivery of a wide-range of molecules as it has the potential to tailor half-life according to specific medical requirements. Albumin’s proven safety, regulatory profile, and long history of therapeutic use, makes it an ideal choice for drug delivery. The broadly applicable platform has an established regulatory pathway enabling products to reach the market more efficiently and cost effectively. In addition, the technology can be used to reduce dose rates and side effects, while improving patient quality of life. These innovations pave the way for flexibility and efficiency for manufacturers developing novel therapies. For more information on Novozymes’ products and technologies, visit www.biopharma.novozymes.com.

EpiVax, Inc. is a Providence, RI biotechnology company focused on the development of vaccines and immunotherapeutics. EpiVax is one of the world’s leading innovators in the field of Immunogenicity Screening. The company uses immunoinformatics tools to screen protein therapeutics and to deimmunize these drugs so as to reduce adverse effects in the clinic. The Tregitope technology adds to the EpiVax Immunogenicity Toolbox, as it is expected to improve tolerance of protein drugs such as replacement enzymes, blood factors, and monoclonal antibodies. For more information, visit www.epivax.com.