Potential for prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines, e.g. against cancer and infectious diseases

The idea of using adeno-associated viruses (AAV) as a vaccine was developed in MediGene's laboratories. The adeno-associated virus is non-pathogenic, i.e. it does not cause disease. The virus protein shell, the capsid, is suited for the production of so-called virus-like particles (VLP), which can be used as a basis for novel vaccines.
By inserting short antigenic peptides (B-cell epitopes) into the AAV capsid, a highly specific antibody reaction against selected target molecules can be induced. These antibodies can protect the body (i.e. have a prophylactic effect) or act as a therapy against existing diseases.
MediGene is currently conducting research into the application of AAVLP technology for the treatment of cancer and viral infections, and is examining the possibility of using AAV libraries to systematically identify suitable vaccine candidates. The key benefit of this technology is the possibility of transferring the mode of action of existing therapeutic antibodies directly into a vaccine.

In May 2011, MediGene and The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA, have entered into a development collaboration with the objective of testing vaccine candidates derived from the AAVLP program for the prevention of HPV-associated cancer types, and in so doing to further advance the development of the AAVLP program. The vaccine candidates examined within the framework of this collaboration target at a number of carcinogenic human papillomaviruses (HPV) causing, for example, cervical cancer. The lead investigator will be Richard B. S. Roden, Ph.D., professor of Gynecology/Obstetrics and Oncology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, one of the world’s leading scientists in the field of HPV research.

Outlook:
Currently, further preclinical studies are conducted. On the basis of these studies, MediGene will decide on the further development or strategic options for the AAVLP project.