• Growing concerns about global spread of this respiratory enterovirus
• Vaccine to protect children from Acute Flaccid Myelitis
• Development of inactivated EV D68 vaccine, through to Phase I clinical testing

Bilthoven, The Netherlands, 8 September, 2020 – Intravacc, a global leader in translational research and development of viral and bacterial vaccines, today announced that it has been awarded a contract with base and options that may total US$9.4 million from the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), for the development of a prophylactic vaccine against enterovirus D68 (EV D68). EV D68 is a respiratory virus that can cause childhood paralysis, Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM). Intravacc will develop an inactivated EV D68 vaccine, based on Intravacc’s proprietary Vero cell technology, from early product selection through to Phase I clinical testing.

During the past decade, EV D68 infections have notably increased in North America, Europe and Asia. In 2014, the United States experienced a large outbreak of severe respiratory disease caused by EV D68, which is increasingly being recognized as a significant respiratory pathogen in children. No effective vaccines or antiviral drugs are currently available, and it is anticipated that the virus may cause larger outbreaks in the future. In this contract, an inactivated EV D68 vaccine will be developed up to first-in-human testing, including virus rescue, assay and process development, preclinical and toxicology studies and production of clinical trial material. The EV D68 vaccine to be developed under the contract will be the first AFM vaccine to go through to clinical development.

The project has been funded in whole or in part with US Federal funds from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, under Contract No. 75N93020C00037.

Dr. Jan Groen, Intravacc’s Chief Executive Officer, comments:

“We are gratified to enter into this co-development contract with the NIH/NIAID for an inactivated EV D68 vaccine to protect children from AFM in foreseen EV D68 outbreaks. Intravacc has a strong track record and expertise in the development of enteroviral vaccines for e.g. polio and Hand, Foot, Mouth disease on our unique Vero cell platform. For Intravacc this contract means a major recognition to be able to extend our portfolio with such a novel groundbreaking vaccine."

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About Vero cell platform technology

For the development of vaccines against viral pathogens, Intravacc has designed and developed the Vero cell production platform. This platform features several distinctive advantages, including i) availability of GMP-grade Vero cell banks at Intravacc, ii) a longstanding safety record for the VERO cell platform used to manufacture human vaccines, and iii) completely animal component free production processes that are used for development of vaccines. Intravacc has a great track record and extensive knowledge available on Vero cells to attain high production yields for multiple vaccines.

Currently, the established and proven Vero cell platform technology has been successfully applied for all three generations of currently available inactivated poliovirus vaccines (IPV) approaches; based either on the conventional wild type strains (cIPV), the attenuated Sabin strains (sIPV), or on the further attenuated genetically engineered poliovirus strains (iIPV).

The sIPV vaccine technology developed at Intravacc was tested for the World Health Organization in Phase 1 clinical trials. Hereafter the technology for sIPV production was transferred to several partners of which three are expected to enter the market this year. For the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Intravacc has recently produced the nOPV2 Master and Working Seed lots, and this vaccine is now being tested in Phase II clinical trials.

In addition to polio vaccines, the Vero cell platform is also used for development of a live attenuated RSV vaccine and several multivalent enteroviral vaccines that are currently in development.

About Intravacc

The Netherlands-based Intravacc is one of the world’s leading institutes for translational vaccinology. As an established independent CDMO organization with many years of experience in the development and optimization of vaccines and vaccine technologies, Intravacc has transferred its technology all over the globe, including polio vaccines, measles vaccines, DPT vaccines, Hib vaccines, and influenza vaccines. Intravacc offers a wide range of expertise to independently develop vaccines from lead concept to clinical phase I/II studies for partners worldwide such as academia, public health organizations (WHO, BMGF), and biotech and pharmaceutical companies. To learn more, visit https://www.intravacc.nl/

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• Gonorrhea is the second most common bacterial infectious disease worldwide
• Vaccine based on IL12 in combination with Intravacc’s gonorrhea OMV targeting mucosal immunization
• Induce an adaptive immune response for long term protection against the gonorrhea bacteria
• Mucosal vaccine platforms offer a broader perspective also for respiratory virus vaccines, such as Covid-19 and influenza

Bilthoven, The Netherlands, 25 August 2020 - Intravacc, a global leader in translational research and development of viral and bacterial vaccines, has partnered with American, Buffalo, NY, based Therapyx, to further develop and optimize the world's first prophylactic vaccine against gonorrhea, NGoXIM. For this Therapyx received a $ 2.8 million Phase IIB grant in the US and has chosen to partner with Intravacc for its unique capabilities and infrastructure for the optimization of vaccines, vaccine processes and vaccine technologies.

NGoXIM is a microsphere vaccine with encapsulated interleukin-12 (IL-12) and outer bacterial membrane vesicles from Neisseria gonorrhoeae, developed with Intravacc's OMV platform. This vaccine therefore consists of a combination of adjuvant and antigen, specifically designed for mucosal immunization. Vaccination with NGoXIM has been shown to induce potent and persistent antibacterial activity in primates. In this collaboration, the parties will focus on enhancing and optimizing the specific adaptive immune response in non-human primates as a prelude to testing in humans. This should ultimately lead to a vaccine that provides lasting protection against infection with the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is the second most common bacterial infectious disease in the US, with a reported incidence of more than 300,000 cases per year. The Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria, a gram-negative aerobic 0.6–1.0 µm bacteria, is the cause of this sexually transmitted disease. Due to under-reporting and asymptomatic disease course, the true incidence is believed to be more than double. There is currently no effective gonorrhea vaccine available and the disease is known to be contracted repeatedly without apparently developing protective immunity as a result of previous infection. In addition, antibiotic resistance is increasingly common for this bacterium. The US-based Center for Disease Control and Prevention has listed antibiotic resistant N. gonorrhoeae as one of the top three pathogens that "pose an immediate threat to public health that must be urgently and aggressively addressed".

Dr. Jan Groen, Intravacc’s CEO, comments:

“We are proud to partner with Therapyx in the further optimization and development of the world's first gonorrhea vaccine. Vaccination with the candidate vaccine inducing a potent and lasting antibacterial activity in primates, not only shows the proof-of-principle for NGoXIM, but also the potency of the mucosal vaccine platform in general. This rapidly adaptable platform for the engineering and development of mucosal vaccines has enormous potential for challenging respiratory viral infections, including influenza and COVID-19, among others. With our unique infrastructure and pilot plant for the optimization of vaccines, vaccine processes and vaccine technologies, we can contribute to accelerated further development of this promising vaccine, for which there is a great worldwide medical need."

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About Intravacc’s OMV platform technology

For the development of vaccines, Intravacc has designed and developed a platform based on outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) - spherical particles with intrinsic adjuvant properties. The OMVs can be rigged with immunogenic peptides and/or proteins that stimulate effective adaptive immunity. The OMV carrier has been optimized to induce a more effective immune response against these newly introduced antigens. Intravacc has also developed genetic tools to increase the yield of OMVs, reduce the toxicity and achieve the desired antigenic composition. Intravacc's OMV platform is fully scalable and allows rapid and efficient modification of the antigen composition, either through genetic modification of the bacterial host or by associating antigens with stored OMVs.

About Intravacc

Intravacc, located at the Utrecht Science Park, Location Bilthoven in The Netherlands, is a global leading organization with many years of experience in translational vaccinology. As an established independent clinical development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) in the vaccine industry, Intravacc has transferred its technology and know-how worldwide, including oral polio vaccines, measles vaccines and DPT, Hib and influenza vaccines. Intravacc offers a wide range of expertise bridging the gap between discovery, pilot scale GMP bioproduction, through to phase I/II clinical trials for partners such as academia, public health organizations (WHO, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) and biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Please visit for more info www.intravacc.nl.

About Therapyx

Therapyx, based in Buffalo, NY, is a privately held development-stage biotechnology company committed to innovating our industry and changing the future of pharmaceuticals by engaging in the discovery and development of microparticulate immune therapeutics to treat infectious disease, immune-mediated inflammatory disorders and cancer. For more info, please visit www.therapyxinc.com.

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• High unmet need for effective pediatric RSV vaccine
• Continued frequent hospitalization of infected infants and risk to elderly
• Partner orientation for further development of this RSV candidate vaccine

Bilthoven, The Netherlands, 18 August 2020 -  Intravacc, a global leader in translational research and development of viral and bacterial vaccines, today announced the publication in the medical journal Vaccine, of a clinical phase I study with its candidate Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine. The vaccine showed excellent induction of immunogenicity after nasal administration to healthy adult volunteers (18-50 years). In addition, the Live Attenuated Vaccine (LAV), constructed with reverse genetics, appears to be safe and well-tolerated. Intravacc is currently orienting on a suitable partner for further joint clinical development of this vaccine in a large pediatric setting.

A pediatric vaccine against RSV would not only prevent morbidity and mortality in infants and young children but could also reduce transmission to the elderly. The RS virus is the most common cold virus in children under the age of five and poses a serious threat to the elderly as well. Many biotech and pharmaceutical companies have been developing an RSV vaccine since the 1960s, but to this day no vaccine emerged out of this. An estimated 120,000 children worldwide still die of the virus every year, especially in developing countries.

The trial

The conducted trial was a randomized, placebo-controlled phase I study with a first administration in humans of a live attenuated RSV virus without the G (adhesion) protein to evaluate safety, tolerability, excretion and immunogenicity. In preclinical studies, RSVDG showed decreased host cell binding and infectivity. Intranasal immunization of laboratory animals with the RSVDG vaccine protected against replication of wild-type RSV, without aggravating the disease.

An RSV lacking the G-protein is expected to be attenuated, but still able to elicit an effective immune response due to the presence of the surface protein F as the major antigen site and residual infectivity. Using reverse genetics, Intravacc constructed a Live Attenuated Vaccine against RSV from which the coding sequence for the attachment protein (G) was removed from the RSV genome (RSVΔG). Live attenuated vaccines can be administered intranasally, mimicking the natural route of infection and thereby stimulating both local mucosal and systemic immunity.

Volunteers received one dose of vaccine intranasally, the control group a placebo. The side effects were mild and comparable to the placebo group. No measurable amounts of vaccine were excreted after administration, indicating sufficient attenuation of the vaccine.

Since almost everyone is infected with the RSV almost every year, adults have a fairly high background immunity. That makes it difficult to evaluate efficacy in this group. Measured antibody levels were comparable before and after immunization and between vaccine and placebo groups. In a subsequent study it must be demonstrated whether the vaccine is immunogenic to children.

Dr. Jan Groen, Intravacc’s CEO says:

Worldwide, RSV is estimated to be the second cause of death after malaria in infants aged 1 to 12 months due to a single pathogen. By the age of two, almost all infants have been exposed to RSV. However, immunity to RSV is incomplete and re-infections are common throughout life. A solution in the form of a vaccine therefore meets a great unmet medical need.

Although the development of an RSV vaccine is very complex, our live attenuated vaccine provides an important first step in the clinical development of an ultimately effective vaccine. We look forward to working with targeted industry partners for the further joint development of this promising vaccine.”

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About RSV

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections, especially in early childhood and in the elderly. In general, it causes mild complaints. Infants and the elderly, however, can become seriously ill. RSV-related acute lower respiratory tract infection accounts for approximately 3.2 million hospital admissions per year worldwide and is a leading cause of death in an estimated 120,000 children under the age of five, especially in developing countries. In the Netherlands, approximately 1 in 100 sick babies require hospitalization.

Despite the clearly unmet medical need for a safe vaccine and the continued development of vaccines since the 1960s, there is currently still no effective approved treatment for persistent RSV infections. Passive immunization with humanized F-specific monoclonal antibodies (palivizumab) is limited to high-risk infants and its use is mainly reserved for high-income countries due to its high cost.

About Intravacc

Based on the Utrecht Science Park, location Bilthoven, The Netherlands, Intravacc is a global leader in translational research and development of viral and bacterial vaccines. As an established independent R&D organization with decades of experience in the development and optimization of vaccines and vaccine technologies, Intravacc has transferred its technology around the world, including oral polio vaccines, measles vaccines and DPT, Hib and influenza vaccines. Intravacc offers a wide range of expertise for the independent development of vaccines from lead concept to clinical phase I/II studies for partners around the world, such as academia, public health organizations (WHO, BMGF) and biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Intravacc has three proprietary vaccine delivery platforms as well as state-of-the-art research and production facilities (GMP). The company aims to significantly reduce the development risks and costs of new vaccines to contribute to global health and equal access to vaccines. For more information, visit www.intravacc.nl.

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• Combining Intravacc’s OMV-delivery platform with Covid-19 Spike proteins
• Preclinical studies to start shortly for candidate selection and inhouse pilot scale GMP production

Bilthoven, Netherlands and BASEL, Switzerland, 29 July, 2020 – Intravacc, a global leader in translational research and development of viral and bacterial  vaccines, and Celonic Group, a premium biopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), specialized in development and production of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) and mammalian cell lines expressed bio-therapeutics, today announced that they have signed a research agreement to further design, develop and produce a Covid-19 vaccine based on an immunogenic Spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 combined with Intravacc’s prorietary Outer Membrane Vesicle (OMV) technology.

In the beginning of March this year Intravacc started working on the development of four candidate coronavirus vaccines based on three proprietary technologies: Vero cell, OMV and iBoost.

For this specific joint vaccine development, Intravacc combines its safe and immunogenic OMV delivery platform with S-proteins expressed by Celonic Group’s industry-leading CHOvolution^®  mammalian cell expression sytem, in order to generate a highly effective and balanced B and T cell response against SARS-CoV-2. Swiss based Celonic Group  will construct cell lines producing the  S-protein in high quantities and develop a GMP production process. Preclinical studies will start shortly to select the best candidate protein for the vaccine. The collaboration aims to accelerate development of Intravacc’s COVID-19 OMV protein  vaccine, which is expected to enter clinical testing in 2021.

Dr. Jan Groen, Intravacc’s Chief Executive Officer of Intravcc said:

“Several studies have shown that OMVs have the ability to enhance the immune response and can be relatively easy formulated with target specific peptides and proteins. This, combined with the fact they can be quickly scaled-up for manufacturing, makes it an ideal suited platform under the current circumstances where quantity and speed are critical”

Dr. Konstantin Matentzoglu, Chief Executive Officer of Celonic, adds:

“At Celonic, we are thrilled to join hands with Intravacc in the fight against this worldwide pandemic. The novel vaccine has the potential to prevent morbidity and mortality of COVID-19. Together, we have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of patients at this time of great need.”

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About OMV platform technology

For the development of vaccines against pathogens, Intravacc has designed and developed a platform based on outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) – spherical particles with intrinsic adjuvating properties. The OMVs can be decorated with immunogenic peptides and/or proteins that that will drive effective adaptive immunity. The OMV carrier has been optimized to induce a more effective immune response against these newly introduced antigens. 

Intravacc also has developed genetic tools to increase the yield of OMVs, to reduce toxicity, and to achieve the desired antigenic composition. Intravacc’s OMV platform is fully scalable and allows for fast and efficient modification of antigen composition, either via genetic modification of the bacterial host or by associating antigens to stockpiled carrier OMVs.

About Intravacc

The Netherlands-based Intravacc is one of the world’s leading institutes for translational vaccinology. As an established independent CDMO organization with many years of experience in the development and optimization of vaccines and vaccine technologies, Intravacc has transferred its technology all over the globe, including oral polio vaccines, measles vaccines, and DPT, Hib and influenza vaccines. Intravacc offers a wide range of expertise to independently develop vaccines from lead concept to clinical phase I/II studies for partners worldwide such as academia, public health organizations (WHO, BMGF), and biotech and pharmaceutical companies.

To learn more, visit www.intravacc.nl

About Celonic

Celonic Group is a privately-owned CDMO based in Basel, Switzerland, with a state-of-the-art bio manufacturing facility in Heidelberg, Germany. Celonic provides comprehensive development and manufacturing services for bio therapeutics including cell line development, USP and DSP development, GMP and non-GMP manufacturing of biopharmaceutical drug substances and drug products, along with cell expression platforms and diagnostics. Celonic offers two cell expression platforms to clients, developers, and service providers – CHOvolution™, developed by Celonic and GEX®, developed by Glycotope GmbH and in-licensed by Celonic. With a new state-of-the-art GMP manufacturing facility for gene vectors and cell therapy, Celonic is soon expanding its existing ATMP development and GMP manufacturing capacity.

For more information, visit www.celonic.com

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• Need for alternatives to animal testing in quality control of vaccines
• Inactivation of vaccines can be traced without using laboratory animals
• Findings published in medical journal Scientific Reports

Bilthoven, The Netherlands, 23 July 2020 – Bilthoven, Netherlands based, Intravacc, a global leader in translational research and development of viral and bacterial vaccines, today announced the publication of a study in Scientific Reports on alternatives to the use of laboratory animals in vaccine quality control. The study was conducted together with Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research (LACDR) at Leiden University.

A great number of laboratory animals are still being used all over the world for the quality control of vaccines. This also applies for tetanus and diphtheria vaccines, both consisting of bacterial toxins inactivated by formaldehyde. This inactivation largely determines the quality of these vaccines. Researchers from Intravacc and LACDR have been searching for a test that reduces the use of laboratory animals.

To this end, a small but important step in the way vaccines work was reproduced in a test tube. Inactivated model vaccines were treated with an enzyme that plays an important role in the first steps of the immune response. The enzyme, cathepsin S (CS), breaks down vaccines and pathogens into fragments that are recognised by immune cells. The inactivation step with formaldehyde affects the rate of breakdown by CS. It was assumed that the breakdown of inactivated vaccines would be slowed down by CS, but the opposite was the case.

It became apparent that it is possible to accurately and sensitively measure vaccine inactivation by quantifying the formation of vaccine fragments during breakdown by CS. This is remarkable as formaldehyde chemically alters vaccines in dozens of places, resulting in a heterogeneous protein mixture that is difficult to analyse.

This means that it may be possible to replace animal testing in the future for vaccines using this inactivation, such as diphtheria and tetanus toxoids. As these vaccines are effective and inexpensive, they will not be easily replaced by ‘modern’ products. 

Dr Jan Groen, CEO of Intravacc, says:

"As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, some 400 therapies and vaccines against this virus are currently being developed worldwide. This affects the number of laboratory animals used in studies. Intravacc considers limiting the need for animal testing to be particularly important and plays an important role in the development of alternatives for this vaccine-related research. This study shows the progress we are making on this front.”

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About animal testing alternatives

In routine vaccine production, animal testing is still regularly used to ensure the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Animal testing is inaccurate, expensive and raises ethical concerns. In 1959, Russell and Burch published their Principles of Humane Experimental Technique, which laid the foundation for the Reduction, Refinement and Replacement of animal experiments (the 3R Principle). This has led to more thoughtful and responsible use of laboratory animals worldwide for the release of medicines and vaccines. Non-animal methods have been accepted by regulators and intensive development, validation and harmonisation of 3R methods is still ongoing. The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality fosters 3R research in the Netherlands. 

About Intravacc

Intravacc, based in Bilthoven, the Netherlands, a global leader in translational research and the development of viral and bacterial vaccines. As an established independent R&D organization with many years of experience in the development and optimization of vaccines and vaccine technologies, Intravacc has transferred its technology all over the globe, including oral polio vaccines, measles vaccines, and DPT, Hib and influenza vaccines. Intravacc offers a wide range of expertise to independently develop vaccines from lead concept to clinical phase I/II studies for partners worldwide such as academia, public health organizations (WHO, BMGF) and biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Intravacc also has its own proprietary vaccine platform, and established state-of-the-art research and (GMP) production facilities. Its aim is to substantially reduce development risks and costs of new vaccines in order to contribute to global health and equity in access to vaccines worldwide. For more information, see www.intravacc.nl

About the Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research

Developing new drugs is a complex process in which many parties work together. The researchers at the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) are committed to develop new and optimized drugs that are more effective and easier to manufacture. Their work covers the entire development and production of a drug, from molecule to pharmacy. The institute combines knowledge from various disciplines: chemistry, biology, computer science, physics and mathematics. To  get the right result the eventual drug, the researchers from Leiden share their fundamental knowledge with partners such as the Leiden University Medical Centre, companies at the Leiden Bio-Science Park, and numerous other Dutch and international institutes and companies.

Contact details

Intravacc

Dr Jan Groen, CEO

Tel: +31 30 7920 454

Mirjam Hartman, Media relations

Tel: +31 6 115 969 94

Email: press.office@intravacc.nl        

LifeSpring Life Sciences Communication, Amsterdam

Leon Melens

Tel: +31 6 538 16 427

Email: lmelens@lifespring.nl

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• iBoost technology well suited for developing cancer vaccines
• Joint development of Covid-19 vaccine using iBoost

Bilthoven, The Netherlands, 1 July 2020 – Bilthoven, The Netherlands based Intravacc, a worldwide leading translational research and development vaccine organization with an extensive track record in developing viral and bacterial vaccines, today announced the signing of a strategic partnership agreement with Dutch based CimCure, focusing on cancer immunotherapies for solid tumors, for in-licensing CimCure’s iBoost technology. This agreement offers Intravacc access to this technology in developing new vaccines and for providing services involving the in-licensed technique in mutually agreed countries. This technology also enables Intravacc to expand its translational expertise towards the development of cancer vaccines.

The iBoost (immune boost) technology was developed at Amsterdam UMC, lab-location VUMC, by Prof. Dr. Arjan Griffioen, professor of experimental oncology and CSO at CimCure. This technology overcomes limitations over current methods for inducing antibody responses against cancer specific antigens. iBoost is currently applied to elicit antibody responses against the tumor vasculature, a strategy that conquers the problem of drug resistance. This treatment strategy has a long-term efficacy and is extremely cost-effective. Proof-of-concept has been shown in several preclinical models.

By using the patented iBoost technology, Intravacc and CimCure are also involved in the joint development of a COVID-19 vaccine. CimCure/Amsterdam UMC received a 1.3 million euro grant from Health Holland, an investment organization of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. In the collaboration, CimCure will focus on the design and preclinical validation of three different types of COVID-19 vaccine concepts, while Intravacc will be responsible for the vaccine process development, the pilot production of the candidate vaccine under GMP conditions and for a phase I clinical trial.

Dr. Jan Groen CEO of Intravacc stated:

“We are excited to have signed an agreement with CimCure providing us access to the iBoost technology, which will have a game changing effect on the vaccine industry and the near future development of oncology vaccines. This agreement expands our platform offering towards potential clients and will further boost our developments within our oncology- and infectious disease vaccine portfolios"

Diederik Engbersen, CEO of CimCure said:

“We believe that this license agreement with Intravacc and the value of our platform outside oncology will contribute to future revenue growth of the Company.

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About Intravacc

Intravacc, based in Bilthoven, the Netherlands, is one of the world’s leading institutes for translational vaccinology. As an established independent R&D organization with many years of experience in the development and optimization of vaccines and vaccine technologies, Intravacc has transferred its technology all over the globe, including oral polio vaccines, measles vaccines, and DPT, Hib and influenza vaccines. Intravacc offers a wide range of expertise to independently develop vaccines from lead concept to clinical phase I/II studies for partners worldwide such as academia, public health organizations (WHO, BMGF) and biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Intravacc also has its own proprietary vaccine platform, and established state-of-the-art research and (GMP) production facilities. Its aim is to substantially reduce development risks and costs of new vaccines in order to contribute to global health and equity in access to vaccines worldwide. For more information, see www.intravacc.nl

About Cim Cure

CimCure is a new generation company founded in 2015, as a spin-off of the VU University Medical Center. CimCure focuses on design and development of a novel class of active cancer vaccines targeting the tumor blood vessels that are common to most solid tumors. The company has discovered and patented multiple highly specific targets and a novel conjugate vaccine technology that can be employed to induce polyclonal antibody responses to targets specific to the tumor (vasculature). With this platform the company aims to combine the proven efficacy of tumor angiogenesis inhibition with the advantages that a vaccine may provide: long term efficacy, limited side-effects, out-patient application and limited cost of goods. For more information, see www.cimcure.com

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A new preclinical study published  in Scientific Reports showed promising  results in mice with Intravacc's experimental whooping cough vaccine. 

• Need for improved whooping cough vaccines
• Outer membrane vesicles from Bordetella pertussis bacteria are potent immunogens
• Intranasal immunization shows both excellent systemic and immune responses
• Needle free immunization possible
• Data published in medical journal Scientific Reports

Bilthoven, The Netherlands, 22 June 2020 - Intravacc, one of the leading translational research and development vaccine institutes with an extensive track record in developing viral and bacterial vaccines, today announced promising results of a preclinical study with its experimental whooping cough vaccine in mice. Published in Scientific Reports (2020) 10:7396, the study shows that intranasal immunization induced both excellent systemic and local immune responses, but also prevented colonization of the lung, trachea and nose.

Current vaccines against whooping cough have serious disadvantages. Inactivated whole cell vaccines are relatively reactogenic resulting in reduced use in vaccination programs. Subunit vaccines on the other hand, have limited efficacy. This results in outbreaks of whooping cough, even in vaccinated populations. There are indications that an effective whooping cough vaccine should prevent colonization of the upper respiratory tract. Asymptomatic carriage facilitates spreading of the bacteria and a vaccine that prevents this could contribute to herd protection.

Intravacc scientists used a vaccine consisting of outer membrane vesicles (Intravacc’s OMV vaccine delivery platform) to immunized mice via the subcutaneous or intranasal route. Whereas subcutaneous immunization resulted in robust systemic immune responses of high quality, it could not prevent colonization of the nasal cavity. Intranasal immunization did not only induce excellent systemic responses but also strong local immune responses. Most importantly, intranasal administration prevented colonization of the lung, trachea and nose. Further testing, preferably in humans is needed to confirm these findings.

Prof. Dr. Gideon Kersten, CSO of Intravacc, commented:

“Intravacc’s vaccine concept has several potential advantages. Because of its composition outer membrane vesicles reduce the risk of vaccination induced selection of strains not matching with the vaccine, it induces immunity at the port of entry and it is needle free, allowing easy administration and flexible incorporation in immunization programs.”

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is caused by the gram-negative bacterium Bordetella pertussis and transmitted through Flügges droplets. It is a strictly human pathogen and all age groups can be infected. However, infants are the main risk group. Diagnosis of pertussis is often difficult in the early stage with only a mild cough, and fever is uncommon. Later, the severity of the disease increases with pneumonia, vomiting and increased coughing that in infants can lead to death.

Dr. Jan Groen, CEO of Intravacc, said:

“This study, showing full protection against whooping cough after intranasal immunization with our OMV based pertussis vaccine, provides us with a lot of comfort towards the development of our Covid-19 intranasal vaccine based on OMV’s”

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About OMV technology

For vaccine development, Intravacc has designed a vaccine delivery platform based on outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) - spherical vesicles with strong immunogenic properties. These vesicles are naturally secreted by so-called gram-negative bacteria and contain proteins that play a role in the survival of bacteria in the body. Due to their immunogenic properties, they are also very suitable for use as a vaccine. OMVs can be rigged with immunogenic proteins and peptides from other pathogens. This can be done by allowing the OMV-producing bacteria to produce these proteins or by chemically linking them to OMVs. Heterologous OMV vaccines make manipulation with the pathogen from which the vaccine is produced unnecessary. This is a great advantage if there are strict isolation measures or if the pathogen is difficult to cultivate. Intravacc has also developed genetic tools to increase the yield of OMVs, reduce toxicity and achieve the desired antigenic composition. Intravacc's OMV platform is fully scalable.

About Intravacc

Intravacc is one of the world’s leading institutes for translational vaccinology. As an established independent R&D organization with over 100 years’ experience in the development and optimization of vaccines and vaccine technologies, Intravacc has transferred its technology all over the globe, including oral polio vaccines, measles vaccines, and DPT, Hib and influenza vaccines. Intravacc offers a wide range of expertise to independently develop vaccines from lead concept to clinical phase I/II studies for partners worldwide such as academia, public health organizations (WHO, BMGF), and biotech and pharmaceutical companies.

Intravacc also has its own proprietary vaccine platform, and established state-of-the-art research and production (GMP) facilities. Its aim is to substantially reduce development risks and costs of new vaccines in order to contribute to global health and equity in access to vaccines worldwide.

Contact info

Intravacc and Versatope will further develop a universal vaccine against influenza based on Intravacc’s OMV technology. Both parties will collaborate to further advance the candidate vaccine through clinical development.

• Influenza vaccines were overall only 29% effective during the 2018–2019 influenza season
• High medical costs drive the need for finding a more universal influenza vaccine
• Intravacc’s OMV technology platform well suited to support the development of new pandemic response vaccines

Bilthoven, The Netherlands, Lowell, Mass., USA,  June 8 2020 -  Intravacc, one of the leading translational research and development vaccine institutes with an extensive track record in developing viral and bacterial  vaccines and Versatope, a U.S. biotechnology company developing vaccines and therapeutics, today announced that they have signed a research service agreement to further develop a universal vaccine against influenza based on Intravacc’s innovative Outer Membrane Vesicles (OMV) technology. Both parties will collaborate to further advance the candidate vaccine through clinical development.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza vaccines were overall 29% effective during the 2018–2019 influenza season due to the emergence of new, late season viral strains, resulting in 42.9 million illnesses, more than 16.5 million medical visits, 647,000 hospitalizations, and 61,200 deaths in the United States. Therefore, globally there is a high medical and cost saving need for finding a more universal influenza vaccine.

Intravacc’s unique expertise in OMV vaccine technology, which is proven to be safe in humans, will push the project forward to achieve this goal of finding the world’s first universal flu vaccine.

Dr Jan Groen, CEO of Intravacc, said:

“We are very happy to partner with Versatope and to be able to further expand the global reach of our OMV technology. This partnership is dedicated to finding in a much needed universal flu vaccine.”

Under the agreement, Intravacc will provide its services to Versatope in bringing their universal influenza vaccine candidate, VT-105, towards their first clinical trials.  Versatope’s approach combines diverse genetic variants of influenza strains on a single nano-sized OMV that may provide better cross-strain protection than influenza vaccines comprised of individual strains. 

Dr. Christopher Locher, CEO of Versatope, said:

“The alliance between Versatope and Intravacc will advance the VT-105 universal influenza vaccine candidate to the clinic in a rigorous and regulatory-compliant manner and help mitigate the risks associated with the chemistry, manufacturing and control process".

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About Intravacc’s OMV platform technology

For vaccine development, Intravacc has designed a vaccine delivery platform based on outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) - spherical vesicles with strong immunogenic properties. These vesicles are naturally secreted by so-called gram-negative bacteria and contain proteins that play a role in the survival of bacteria in the body. Due to their immunogenic properties, they are also very suitable for use as a vaccine.

OMVs can be rigged with immunogenic proteins and peptides from other pathogens. This can be done by allowing the OMV-producing bacteria to produce these proteins or by chemically linking them to OMVs.

Heterologous OMV vaccines make manipulation with the pathogen from which the vaccine is produced unnecessary. This is a great advantage if there are strict isolation measures or if the pathogen is difficult to cultivate.

Intravacc has also developed genetic tools to increase the yield of OMVs, reduce toxicity and achieve the desired antigenic composition. Intravacc's OMV platform is fully scalable.

About Intravacc

The Bilthoven, the Netherlands, based Intravacc is one of the world’s leading institutes for translational vaccinology. As an established independent R&D organization with over 100 years’ experience in the development and optimization of vaccines and vaccine technologies, Intravacc has transferred its technology all over the globe, including oral polio vaccines, measles vaccines, and DPT, Hib and influenza vaccines. Intravacc offers a wide range of expertise to independently develop vaccines from lead concept to clinical phase I/II studies for partners worldwide such as academia, public health organizations (WHO, BMGF), and biotech and pharmaceutical companies.

Intravacc also has its own proprietary vaccine platform, and established state-of-the-art research and production (GMP) facilities. Its aim is to substantially reduce development risks and costs of new vaccines in order to contribute to global health and equity in access to vaccines worldwide.

About Versatope Therapeutics:

Versatope Therapeutics, Inc., is a start-up biotechnology company located in Lowell, Mass. at the University of Massachusetts' M2D2 biotech incubator. This project has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, under Contract No.  75N93019C00060.

Contact info

Intravacc

Dr. Jan Groen, CEO

T: +31 30 7920 454

Mirjam Hartman, Media relations

T: +31 6 115 969 94

E: press.office@intravacc.nl     

Versatope, Inc.

Dr Christopher Locher, CEO

T: +1 781-879-3119

E: Christopher.locher@versatope.com

LifeSpring Life Sciences Communication, Amsterdam

Leon Melens

T: +31 6 538 16427

E: lmelens@lifespring.nl

A newly established partnership will combine Intravacc's vaccine development technology, viral vector technology and animal technologies from Wageningen Bioveterinary Research  and the coronavirus expertise from Utrecht University. 

• Development through a newly established public private partnership
• Vaccine consists of a Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vector, expressing the immunogenic spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2
• Intravacc to develop a scalable vaccine production process, using its FDA-approved Vero cell platform, in preparation of GMP productions

Bilthoven, Lelystad and Utrecht, The Netherlands, 4 June 2020 -  Intravacc, one of the world’s leading translational research and development vaccine institutes, with an extensive track record in developing viral and bacterial vaccines, has announced more details on its development of an intranasal vaccine against COVID-19. The vaccine will be developed through a newly established public private partnership that combines the vaccine development technology from Intravacc, the viral vector technology and animal technologies from Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) based in Lelystad, the Netherlands, and the coronavirus expertise from Dutch Utrecht University.

The aim of this partnership is to develop an intranasal vaccine to protect humans against COVID-19. The vaccine will consist of a Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vector that expresses the immunogenic spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2, which is an important target for neutralizing antibodies. NDV has been shown to be safe for intranasal/intratracheal delivery in mammals, including non-human primates.

The advantage of a nasal vaccination is that it induces both mucosal and systemic immunity, whereas an intramuscular vaccination primarily induces an antibody response. In addition, intranasal vaccination may also confer protection against infections at other mucosal sites, such as the lungs, intestines and genital tract. On top of this the nasal cavity is also  easily accessible.

Ludo Hellebrekers DVM, Director Wageningen Bioveterinary Research  (WBVR) stated:

”Intravacc, WBVR and Utrecht University create major synergy by combining distinct complimentary expertise and competencies. A promising collaboration!”

Intravacc will develop a scalable vaccine production process using its FDA-approved Vero cell platform, in preparation of GMP productions. The availability of a safe and efficacious vaccine against COVID-19 will have a large social and economic impact by reduction of severe disease and mortality, lifting bans on (inter)national travel and large gatherings, as well as by reducing the burden on the public healthcare system.

WBVR has developed a technique called ‘reverse genetics’, which allows the genetic modification of Newcastle disease virus (NDV). NDV can cause disease in birds but is harmless for mammalian species including humans. WBVR has used the reverse genetics technique to develop NDV as a vaccine vector against human and animal infectious diseases. This vector technology will now be used to generate a vaccine against COVID-19.

Dr Jan Groen, CEO of Intravacc, said:

“Intravacc’s strength is its ability of bridging the gap between academia and research centers towards pharma. Together with our partners WBVR and Utrecht University, we combine our expertise in developing an intranasal corona virus vaccine. Our safe Vero cell platform, widely used for the production of Polio vaccines, put us in the position to fast track the production of pilot lot of this NCD vector-based vaccine concept and to subsequently transfer this to large vaccine manufactures.”

About Intravacc’s Vero cell platform

Intravacc’s viral vaccine production process is based on a cGMP-grade, regulatory approved, Vero cell line. This platform is being used for routine large-scale commercial vaccine manufacturing by clients world-wide. In addition, virus seed lots and clinical batches have regularly been produced on the Vero cells, for example Poliovirus, Enterovirus (EV71), and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

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About Intravacc

Bilthoven, the Netherlands, based Intravacc is one of the world’s leading institutes for translational vaccinology. As an established independent R&D organization with over 100 years’ experience in the development and optimization of vaccines and vaccine technologies, Intravacc has transferred its technology all over the globe, including oral polio vaccines, measles vaccines, and DPT, Hib and influenza vaccines. Intravacc offers a wide range of expertise to independently develop vaccines from lead concept to clinical phase I/II studies for partners worldwide such as academia, public health organizations (WHO, BMGF), and biotech and pharmaceutical companies.

Intravacc also has three proprietary vaccine platforms and established state-of-the-art research and production (GMP) facilities. Its aim is to substantially reduce development risks and costs of new vaccines in order to contribute to global health and equity in access to vaccines worldwide.

For more information: www.intravacc.nl

About Wageningen Bioveterinary Research

Wageningen Bioveterinary Research contributes to the prevention, eradication and control of animal infectious diseases through research, diagnostics and consultancy. By doing so, we contribute to the health and wellbeing of animals and people. We conduct research on health and (infectious) diseases e.g. in preclinical and clinical studies, animal models, epidemiology and risk management. The results of this research and analyses have been utilized to support dossiers, submitted to regulatory authorities in Europe and the US.

Our expertise is continuously expanding by ongoing research projects for private and public stakeholders on topics such as antibiotic resistance, vaccine development, gut health and vector borne diseases. For this, we use our unique facilities in Lelystad that house livestock individually or in groups up to human Biosafety Level 3 and veterinary Biosafety Level 4.

About Utrecht University

Founded in 1636, Utrecht University is one of the largest research universities of Europe, with over thirty thousand students and a staff of more than six thousand. We invest in creating the leaders of the future through innovative education of the highest quality, as reflected by the University's consistently high position in international rankings. Dedicated to performing groundbreaking research aimed at resolving large global issues, our culture of cooperation is a breeding ground for innovation, new insights and social impact. www.uu.nl.

For almost 50 years the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has been at the forefront of coronavirus research. It has built up expertise and know-how on the fundamentals of coronavirus biology, particularly on issues like cell entry and virus replication. For 40 years it was actively engaged in vaccine research, both for animals and humans, in collaborations with numerous pharmaceutical companies. Through its research activities the faculty aims to continue having a scientific and societal impact.

Contact info

Intravacc

Dr. Jan Groen, CEO

T: +31 30 7920 454

Mirjam Hartman, Media relations

T: +31 6 115 969 94

E: press.office@intravacc.nl

Wageningen Bioveterinary Research

Annet Blanken, Press Officer

T +31 320 238 678

E: annet.blanken@wur.nl

Intravacc and EpiVax announced their collaboration agreement to further progress a novel vaccine against COVID-19, based on Intravacc’s proprietary Outer Membrane Vesicles technology platform.

• Combines Intravacc’s unique OMV delivery platform with synthetically produced COVID-19 epitopes from EpiVax’ immunoinformatics toolbox
• Goal is to generate safe and effective adaptive immunity against SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses
• Clinical studies anticipated to start in Q4 2020

Bilthoven, The Netherlands, Providence, R.I., USA, 2 June 2020 -  Intravacc, one of the world’s leading translational research and development vaccine institutes, with an extensive track record in developing viral and bacterial vaccines, and EpiVax, a biotechnology company based in Providence with expertise in developing vaccines and therapeutics, announce that they have entered into a collaboration agreement to further progress a novel vaccine against COVID-19, based on Intravacc’s proprietary Outer Membrane Vesicles (OMV) technology platform.

For this joint research project, Intravacc will combine its safe and immunogenic OMV delivery platform with synthetically produced COVID-19 epitopes (protein allergens), designed and optimized by EpiVax using advanced immunoinformatics tools, in order to generate a safe and highly effective T-cell response against SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses. Pre-clinical studies will start immediately so as to select the best candidate peptides for the vaccine. Intravacc will utilize its in-house pilot-scale facility for the GMP production of the OMV-peptide vaccine, for clinical (phase I) studies expecting to start in Q4 2020.

Annie De Groot, MD, CEO and CSO of EpiVax, said:

“We are thrilled to enter into a partnership with Intravacc using their very novel ‘click-on’ OMV technology and the highly immunogenic and safe SARS-CoV-2 multi-epitope-bearing peptides designed using the iVAX toolkit at EpiVax. We believe that the combination of technologies  and the strength of our longstanding collaboration with Intravacc will lead to the development of an effective and safe vaccine that could rapidly benefit hundreds of millions of people around the globe.”

Dr. Jan Groen, CEO of Intravacc, stated:

“A COVID-19 vaccine based on this approach is expected to be very safe and to reduce the morbidity and mortality rates associated with COVID-19. The vaccine is expected to lower the risk that individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 will require hospitalization and/or intensive care. It also expected to induce long-term memory responses to prevent COVID-19 disease and infection from other beta-corona viruses. We expect that leveraging Intravacc’s unique vaccine development expertise, broad-based network and successful track record in global technology transfer to vaccine manufacturers will bring success".

About Intravacc’s OMV platform technology

For the development of vaccines against pathogens, Intravacc has designed and developed a platform based on outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) – spherical particles with intrinsic adjuvating properties. Using genetic engineering, the OMVs can be decorated with immunogenic peptides that combine T- cell epitopes that will drive effective adaptive immunity. Heterologous OMV vaccines are a suitable alternative approach to protect against pathogens that require a high level of containment, that are difficult to cultivate, or that contain viral and/or parasitic proteins. The antigens of choice are attached to the ‘empty’ OMV carrier resulting in a more effective immune response.

Intravacc also has developed genetic tools to increase the yield of OMVs, to reduce toxicity, and to achieve the desired antigenic composition. Intravacc’s OMV platform is fully scalable and allows for fast and efficient modification of antigen composition, either via genetic modification of the bacterial host or by associating antigens to stockpiled carrier OMVs.

About Intravacc

The Netherlands-based Intravacc is one of the world’s leading institutes for translational vaccinology. As an established independent R&D organization with over 100 years’ experience in the development and optimization of vaccines and vaccine technologies, Intravacc has transferred its technology all over the globe, including oral polio vaccines, measles vaccines, and DPT, Hib and influenza vaccines. Intravacc offers a wide range of expertise to independently develop vaccines from lead concept to clinical phase I/II studies for partners worldwide such as academia, public health organizations (WHO, BMGF), and biotech and pharmaceutical companies.

Intravacc also has its own proprietary vaccine platform. Intravacc has established state-of-the-art research and production (GMP) facilities. Its aim is to substantially reduce development risks and costs of new vaccines in order to contribute to global health and equity in access to vaccines worldwide.

About EpiVax:

EpiVax is a 22-year old privately-held biotechnology company located in Providence, RI, with a broad portfolio of projects including vaccines and immunotherapies for infectious diseases, autoimmunity and cancer. Scientists at EpiVax, led by co-founders Annie De Groot, MD and Bill Martin, have a strong history of developing and applying innovative approaches to improving vaccines and biologics, making the former more immunogenic and the latter less immunogenic using their advanced immunoinformatic tools. The ISPRI and iVAX toolkits for therapeutics and vaccines are used by a global roster of companies. Visit www.epivax.com for more information.

Contact info

Intravacc

Dr. Jan Groen, CEO

T: +31 30 7920 454

Mirjam Hartman, Media relations

T: +31 6 115 969 94

E: press.office@intravacc.nl     

EpiVax, Inc.

Annie De Groot, MD, CEO/CSO

T: +1 401-272-2123

E: KNelson@epivax.com

Intravacc today announced the development of three COVID-19 vaccine concepts. These concepts are all based on Intravacc’s platform technologies, that have been proven safe in humans.

Bilthoven, The Netherlands – 08.00 CET, May 14, 2020 - Intravacc, one of the leading translational research and development vaccine institutes with an extensive track record in developing viral and bacterial vaccines, today announced the development of three COVID-19 vaccine concepts. These concepts are all based on Intravacc’s platform technologies, that have been proven safe in humans.

“This global COVID19 pandemic requires an international effort to understand the complexity of the disease and to develop innovative COVID-19 emergency and conventional vaccines”, said Dr. Jan Groen CEO of Intravacc. “We also need to establish partnerships with pharma for large scale manufacturing and global distribution of these vaccines”.

To develop safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, Intravacc is focusing on emergency and conventional vaccines. Intravacc’s emergency vaccine is designed to activate T-cell responses. This emergency vaccine would reduce mortality and morbidity and as a result reduces the pressure on the public health system. For this vaccine Intravacc uses its outer membrane vesicle (OMV) technology.

For its conventional COVID-19 vaccine Intravacc will use OMV’s as a carrier for spike proteins of the virus to induce a protective antibody response. For the third concept Intravacc’s approved Vero cell platform will be used to develop an intranasal vector vaccine based on Newcastle disease virus, that can replicate in humans but does not cause disease.

The expected development timelines for these COVID-19 vaccines to enter into phase 1 range from 9 to 21 months.

About OMV platform technology

Gram-negative bacteria naturally release vesicles from their outer membrane. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) harbor bacterial proteins that play a role in establishing infection and survival of the bacterium within the human host. They are very suitable vaccine candidates. Genetic engineering techniques are being used to achieve the required antigenic composition, and to optimize immune modulating properties and safety. OMV’s are safe in humans and can be injected or administered needle free via the oral or intranasal route to achieve mucosal immunity. Intravacc’s OMV platform is fully scalable and allows for fast and efficient modification of antigen composition, either via genetic modification of the bacterial host or by conjugating antigens to stockpiled carrier OMVs.

About the Vero cell platform

Intravacc’s viral vaccine production processes is based on a cGMP-grade, regulatory approved, Vero cell line. This platform is being used for routine large-scale commercial vaccine manufacturing by clients world-wide. In addition, virus seed lots and clinical batches have regularly been produced on the Vero cells, for example Poliovirus, Enterovirus (EV71), and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

About Intravacc

Intravacc is one of the leading institutes for translational vaccinology. As an established R&D organization with over 100 years’ experience in the development and optimization of vaccines and vaccine technologies, Intravacc has transferred its technology all over the world. Its track record includes technology transfer of oral polio, measles, DPT, Hib and influenza vaccines. The institute has state-of-the-art research and production (GMP) facilities; its aim is to substantially reduce development risks and costs of new vaccines in order to contribute to global health and equity in access to vaccines worldwide.

NOTE TO EDITORS

For more information, contact press.office@intravacc.nl or check our website at www.intravacc.nl

Op woensdag 22 april 2020 om 15.00 uur presenteert Intravacc samen met KNCV het webinar: ‘De zoektocht naar een coronavaccin’ door  Gideon Kersten, Chief Scientific Officer bij Intravacc.

Woensdag 22 april: 15.00 – 15.30 uur Webinar: De zoektocht naar een coronavaccin Met Prof Dr. Gideon Kersten, Chief Scientific Officer bij Intravacc

Deelname via Zoom en YouTube, kies het platform dat bij jou past.

Op woensdag 22 april om 15.00 uur presenteert Intravacc samen met KNCV (Kninklijke Nederlandse Chemische Vereniging) het webinar: ‘De zoektocht naar een coronavaccin’. Prof. Dr. Gideon Kersten, Chief Scientific Officer bij Intravacc, schetst in een half uur wat er komt kijken bij die zoektocht waar wereldwijd ruim zestig bedrijven en onderzoeksinstituten in een race tegen de klok in verwikkeld zijn.

Intravacc werkt samen met bedrijven en universiteiten bij de ontwikkeling van vaccins tegen infectieziekten, waaronder COVID-19. Intravacc vormt daarbij de schakel tussen het eerste vaccinconcept en de grootschalige productie ervan.

Voor de eerste en de goedkoopste leverancier van een coronavaccin ligt voor lange tijd een gegarandeerde wereldmarkt open. Maar wat komt er allemaal kijken bij het ontwikkelen van zo’n vaccin? Prof. Dr. Gideon Kersten, Chief Scientific Officer bij Intravacc, vertelt in het webinar in ca. 30 minuten hoe het proces van vaccinontwikkeling eruit ziet. Het webinar is interactief, dus deelnemers kunnen na afloop van zijn verhaal meteen hun vragen aan hem stellen.

Vanwege grote belangstelling is deelnemen via Zoom momenteel niet meer mogelijk. Heb je je al via Zoom geregistreerd? Zorg dan dat je je woensdag op tijd aanmeldt.

Via de livestream op het KNCV YouTube-kanaal bieden wij dezelfde mogelijkheden als via Zoom. Volg het webinar en stel jouw vragen, zodra de uitzending start. Deze link wordt zichtbaar vanaf 14.50 uur op ons KNCV YouTube-kanaal. Deelnemen is gratis! De presentatie zal in het Nederlands gehouden worden.

Over de spreker Gideon Kersten is Chief Scientific Officer bij Intravacc en bijzonder hoogleraar Vaccinontwikkeling aan de Universiteit van Leiden.

Intravacc today announced the appointment of Dr. Jan Groen as its Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 May 2020.

Bilthoven, The Netherlands – 07.00 CET, April 3, 2020 -

Intravacc, one of the leading translational research and development vaccine institutes with an extensive track record developing viral and bacterial vaccines from discovery to lead concept to clinical phase I/II, today announced the appointment of Dr. Jan Groen as its Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 May 2020.

Dr Groen has many years of experience in Life Sciences and Biotech and holds a PhD degree in medical microbiology. Dr. Groen has held numerous executive management and board mandates in international profit and nonprofit companies and organizations. He built several successful commercial biotech companies in Europe and the US, and raised over $150 million for private and public companies.

Mr Nico Oudendijk, General Director of Intravacc said: “With Dr. Groen, we have found the right person to take Intravacc into the new phase of an independent vaccine research organization”.

Dr Groen stated: “I am delighted to join Intravacc, an institute with a tremendous track record in vaccinology. Developing and improving vaccines remains vitally important in the world today and with its unique one-stop facilities, Intravacc can be at the forefront of the (co)development of a coronavirus vaccine. I look forward to working together with the professional and highly committed staff to develop Intravacc into a successful organistation within the vaccine industry”.

About Intravacc

Intravacc is one of the leading institutes for translational vaccinology. As an established R&D organization with over 100 years’ experience in the development and optimization of vaccines and vaccine technologies. Intravacc has transferred its technology all over the world. Its track record includes technology transfer of oral polio, measles, DPT, Hib and influenza vaccines. The institute has state-of-the-art research and production (GMP) facilities; its aim is to substantially reduce development risks and costs of new vaccines in order to contribute to global health and equity in access to vaccines worldwide. For more information please visit www.intravacc.nl

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NOTE TO EDITORS

For more information, contact Mirjam Hartman, press officer: mirjam.hartman@intravacc.nl tel +31 6 11596994; www.intravacc.nl

Intravacc today announced the establishment of Intravacc B.V. This is an important step in the anticipated privatization of Intravacc and the sale of its activities to a private party.

In May 2018, the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport announced the start of the privatization process of the activities of Intravacc a leading organisation in the field of vaccines research & development. As the privatization is progressing, the buyer of Intravacc is expected to be announced in the second quarter of 2019.

Preparing for the privatization, Intravacc B.V., a private company with limited liability, was established today. Once the shares of Intravacc are sold to the selected buyer, Intravacc B.V. will become operational and all assets, staff, intellectual property and contracts & agreements will be transferred to the new entity. This ensures a smooth transition of the business and the knowledge base of Intravacc with no interruption in servicing current customers.