Funding to Advance Scientific Development of Innovative COVID-19 Nanobody Therapies Focused on Protecting High-Risk Immunodeficient Patients
Company develops highly potent antibodies targeting conserved S1 and S2 regions of SARS-CoV-2
GHENT, BELGIUM, January 9, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ExeVir Bio, a biotechnology company developing robust nanobody therapies for broad defense against infectious USD) to the European Investment Bank (EIB)*. The EIB funding will help advance ExeVir’s lead asset, XVR012, into his COVID-19 clinical trials.
ExeVir’s COVID-19 development program is focused on developing both treatment and prevention candidates, which are critical to protecting the large number of immunocompromised people who represent approximately 3% of the general Western population. . [1]despite the availability of current vaccines, remain at high risk of severe COVID-19 disease.
ExeVir leverages its proprietary modular llama-derived antibody (VHH) technology platform to generate multispecific antibodies for prevention and treatment against COVID-19. ExeVir is evaluating a unique, highly potent heavy chain-based antibody that targets subunits of the coronavirus spike protein via highly conserved epitopes S1 and S2. The highly conserved S2 region makes viral ‘escape variants’ less likely, but difficult to target by most other approaches. Multiple potential binders offer the possibility of heterodimeric binders to spike proteins in one molecule or cocktail.
The Exevir candidate demonstrates strong potency and breadth, neutralizing all known previous and current SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. We continue to monitor and screen for neutralization of new viral variants of concern. ExeVir’s lead preclinical development candidate, XVR012, is expected to be ready for further clinical development in 2023.
Dr. Torsten Mummenbrauer, CEO of ExeVir, said:: “The ExeVir team has rapidly developed significant expertise in leveraging its modular nanobody platform to tackle COVID-19. We are finding rapid and effective solutions to the species, especially as interventions to protect and treat immunocompromised people who continue to live in fear are ending. It has proven to be a devastating and highly unpredictable disease for vulnerable populations.To ensure that this unmet need is addressed in COVID-19 and prepared for future pandemics, we are committed to We are very pleased to secure the support and approval of the EIB at such a critical time.”
Fiona du Monceau, COO of ExeVir, said:: “This funding from the EIB will support the development of our lead asset, XVR012. We can establish ourselves as a true European biotech champion in combating infectious diseases with high unmet medical need. We can continue to focus on protecting people and preparing for future pandemics, as we aim to bring to market the first products that could be a key part of our toolbox to combat COVID-19. ”
EIB Vice President Chris Peters Said: “Developing advanced treatments for infectious diseases is key to protecting our population, especially the most vulnerable. We have mobilized billions of dollars for the immediate and long-term response to 19. Our support for ExeVir is supported by the EIB, as the EU’s bank and public lender, as a guarantee of the European Union’s InnovFin program. Another example of how we have been supporting promising start-ups thanks to this program, we are gaining momentum in the very important biotech, medical and wellness sectors, creating real opportunities for innovation to thrive. A European ecosystem can be built, where focused research and development can bring real benefits to the economy and, ultimately, to citizens.”
[1] Global, Regional, and National Estimates of Populations at High Risk for Severe COVID-19 Due to Underlying Conditions in 2020: A Modeling Study (thelancet.com)
* Venture debt loans are part of the EIB’s COVID-19 response and are guaranteed by the InnovFin program under the EU’s Horizon 2020 budget.
For more information, please contact:
ExeVir Bio
Veronica Vandebolde
vvandevooorde@exevir.com
Scius Communications (for media)
Katya Stout
+44 7789435990
katja@sciuscommunications.com
Daniel Gooch
+44 774 787 5479
daniel@sciuscommunications.com
About ExeVir Bio
ExeVir Bio is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing nanobody-based therapeutics focused on infectious diseases. The company utilizes its llama-derived antibody (VHH) technology platform to generate multispecific antibodies for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. ExeVir’s initial focus is his COVID-19 prevention for immunocompromised patient populations, which remain in high unmet need due to the limitations of current vaccines and therapeutic approaches.
ExeVir’s lead asset, XVR012, is a potent COVID-19 neutralizing antibody targeting the S1 and S2 regions of the coronavirus. Both regions are highly conserved regions within the virus, meaning they are unlikely to mutate into escape variants. ExeVir has demonstrated the ability to advance a candidate from research to clinic within one year, conduct Phase 1a and 1b trials, and conduct scale-up manufacturing. Leveraging this past experience, the XVR012 asset is being developed for his 2023 regulatory submission.
Like building blocks, VHHs bind to one molecule to address different epitopes or execute different mechanisms of action at once, leading to an ‘arms race’ in more complex and co-evolving infectious diseases. can be dealt with. Due to their smaller size than whole antibodies, VHHs have access to hidden epitopes inaccessible to traditional monoclonal antibodies, enabling deeper tissue penetration and simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing.
ExeVir started researching dengue fever. Dengue fever is a mobile disease that is increasing the global health burden due to global warming and urbanization.
ExeVir is a spin-out company from VIB, a leading life sciences research institute based in Belgium. Backed by strong investors including Fund+, which led the €42 million Series A, along with international consortia such as UCB Ventures, FPIM, V-Bio Ventures, VIB, SRIW, Noshaq, Vives IUF and SambrInvest. ExeVir is backed by VLAIO, SPW-Recherche and the European Union, reaching a total of €16.5 million in undiluted funding.
Click here for details ExeVir’s LinkedIn or ExeVir website
