Our Science
Revolutionizing the application of small molecule, bi-specific immunotherapies.
Our Platform
Our small, bispecific molecules engage both cytotoxic immune cells and the virus particles/virus-infected cells. Upon bridging between the two cell types, immune cells such as NK cells and activated macrophages are triggered to kill the virus and the infected cells. We are actively developing ligands that bind with high specificity to different viruses and payloads that elicit a response from cytotoxic immune cells. In building out this toolkit, we believe we will be able to create therapies for most viral diseases. Our current focus is the treatment of respiratory viruses, including influenza and RSV.
Our Influenza Therapy
Our lead molecule for influenza (EV25) has been shown to be more effective than the current standard of care in preclinical models, with single dose efficacy and an extended therapeudic window.
Mechanism of Action
The immunologic payloads linked to the Neuraminidase Targeting Ligand (NTL) in the EV25 molecule are two haptens (dinitrophenyl [DNP] and rhamnose), for which naturally occurring antibodies are abundant in all humans. When EV25 binds to a virus or virus-infected host cell, anti-rhamnose and anti-DNP antibodies decorate the viruses / virus-infected cells, triggering NK cells and macrophages to kill the viruses / infected cells.
Efficacy
Because EV25 elicits both a potent immune response and inhibits virus reproduction, it has significantly outperformed the current standard of care when compared in preclinical models. A single intranasal dose of EV25 has proven to be faster acting and much more effective against advanced infections compared to multiple doses of either Tamiflu or Xofluza.
Modularity in Action
Our modular platform can be applied to a wide variety of disease states. We are currently developing variants for RSV, as well as other respiratory viruses and non-viral infections.
Development Pipeline