Vaxxinity, Inc. (Nasdaq: VAXX), a U.S. company pioneering the development of a new class of immunotherapeutic vaccines, presented new preclinical data on vaccine candidates targeting aberrant forms of the Tau protein for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) during a poster session at the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC).
DALLAS, Aug. 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vaxxinity, Inc. (Nasdaq: VAXX), a U.S. company pioneering the development of a new class of immunotherapeutic vaccines, presented new preclinical data on vaccine candidates targeting aberrant forms of the Tau protein for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) during a poster session at the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC).
Tau is an intracellular protein known to misfold and accumulate in neurons in the form of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the brain of AD patients. The formation of NFTs correlates with the progression of AD symptoms and may even develop prior to the first symptoms of the disease. Thus, targeting pathological Tau before the onset of AD symptoms, such as memory decline, could help prevent disease and/or progression.
“Our findings show that specific forms of Tau can be targeted by vaccines with subsequent functional impact,” said Justin Boyd, Ph.D., Director of Translational Science at Vaxxinity. “This preclinical research complements UB-311, our amyloid beta-targeting investigational vaccine which has been granted Fast Track designation by the FDA and is in clinical development for Alzheimer’s disease. Vaccines are uniquely suited to deliver multiple antigens in a single formulation, and thus rather than rely on selecting just one epitope, targeting multiple Tau epitopes may provide a more efficient way of neutralizing all toxic Tau species within one program. We look forward to the continued evaluation of these candidates as potential innovative solutions for patients who have been without options for far too long.”
Vaxxinity’s proprietary synthetic peptide-based technology platform enables both the targeting of endogenous proteins like Tau, and the combination of multiple epitopes/targets within a single formulation, a unique property that may prove critical in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases where multiple pathologies may underlie disease progression. Preclinical data demonstrate that our Tau peptide lead vaccines are highly immunogenic and induce antibodies that display diverse binding profiles against different forms of Tau peptides (e.g., monomeric Tau, preformed Tau fibrils, or Tau extracted from AD brain homogenates). Binding specificities of antibodies against diverse Tau species were confirmed by ELISA, dot blot, and Bio-Layer Interferometry analyses. Furthermore, using cell-based models, we show that the antibodies induced by our lead vaccines prevent intracellular aggregation of Tau and that this effect reflects a blockade of Tau uptake into cells rather than a direct blockade of Tau aggregation per se.
The poster, “Characterization of Tau vaccines identifies diverse antibody binding and efficacy profiles,” can be found on the Events & Presentations page of the company’s website. The poster presentation video is viewable on the AAIC conference website to registrants through Sept. 2, 2022 and will be available on the Vaxxinity website after Sept. 3, 2022.
About Vaxxinity
Vaxxinity, Inc. is a purpose-driven biotechnology company committed to democratizing healthcare across the globe. The company is pioneering a new class of synthetic, peptide-based immunotherapeutic vaccines aimed at disrupting the existing treatment paradigm for chronic disease, increasingly dominated by monoclonal antibodies, which suffer from prohibitive costs and cumbersome administration. The company’s proprietary technology platform has enabled the innovation of novel pipeline candidates designed to bring the efficiency of vaccines to the treatment of chronic diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, migraine, and hypercholesterolemia. The technology is also implemented as part of a COVID-19 vaccine program. Vaxxinity has optimized its pipeline to achieve a potentially historic, global impact on human health.
For more information about Vaxxinity, Inc., visit http://www.vaxxinity.com and follow us on social media @vaxxinity.
Forward-looking Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The use of certain words, including “expect,” “may,” “could,” “look forward,” “potentially,” “might,” “will,” “aim” and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties, and are based on the current expectations and assumptions of Vaxxinity’s management. Forward-looking statements include statements about the development of a new class of immunotherapeutic vaccines and the innovation and efficacy of Vaxxinity’s product candidates. Various important factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those that may be expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. Additional important factors to be considered in connection with forward-looking statements are described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 24, 2022 and other reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements are made as of this date and Vaxxinity does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Investor Contact
Ben Matone
benm@vaxxinity.com
Press Contact
Karen Chase
VaxxinityPR@westwicke.com
