Evaxion and Pennsylvania State University publish preclinical data validating our AI-based viral vaccine discovery platform

Rhea-AI Summary

Evaxion Biotech A/S (NASDAQ: EVAX) has published promising preclinical data in Frontiers of Immunology regarding its AI-driven viral vaccine discovery platform, RAVEN. Conducted with Pennsylvania State University, this study highlights the platform's ability to identify protective T-cell epitopes from SARS-CoV-2 in a COVID-19 mouse model, effectively preventing severe disease and mortality. The RAVEN platform is positioned to streamline vaccine development against a variety of viral diseases, with potential implications for enhancing both existing and new vaccines. Chief Scientific Officer Birgitte Rønø emphasized the significance of this research in tailoring vaccines for broad population protection. The study marks a pivotal point as the first instance of an AI-designed T-cell vaccine demonstrating in vivo protection against severe COVID-19, potentially paving the way for rapid responses to emerging viral threats.

Positive

• Successful publication of preclinical data demonstrating effectiveness of the RAVEN platform in creating T-cell epitopes from SARS-CoV-2.
• First-time demonstration of in vivo protection against severe COVID-19 by an AI-designed T-cell vaccine.
• Potential to significantly shorten vaccine discovery timelines and enhance efficiency in vaccine development.

Negative

• None.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, April 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Evaxion Biotech A/S (NASDAQ: EVAX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in AI-powered immunotherapies, announces the successful publication in Frontiers of Immunology of preclinical data demonstrating the effectiveness of its proprietary AI-driven viral vaccine discovery platform. The presented preclinical study was conducted in collaboration with associate professor Girish Kirimanjeswara, Pennsylvania State University, US.

The published data showcase how Evaxion's proprietary AI-platform, RAVEN (Rapidly Adaptive Viral Response), identifies broad and robust T-cell epitopes from SARS-CoV-2 that protect against mortality and severe disease in a COVID-19 mouse model. This research demonstrates the potential of the RAVEN platform to accelerate the development of effective viral vaccines, leveraging the power of artificial intelligence.

"Our RAVEN platform represents a paradigm shift in vaccine development, identifying vaccine candidates against any existing, newly emerging, and mutating viral diseases tailored to any human target population to secure broader and more durable protection," said Birgitte Rønø, Chief Scientific Officer of Evaxion. "This positive preclinical data affirms our ability to select the right T-cell epitopes, ultimately resulting in better vaccines for patients. We remain committed to further advancing our AI-driven viral vaccine discovery platform and collaborating with key partners to translate our findings into tangible solutions for addressing global health challenges."

RAVEN enables discovery of novel T-cell epitopes for any viral disease with the potential of enhancing the efficacy of new and existing B-cell vaccines and addresses the issues of fading efficacy and evasion for many viral vaccines.

“To our knowledge, this study is the first to show in vivo protection against severe COVID-19 by an AI-designed T-cell vaccine,” said Dr. Kirimanjeswara. “The vaccine was extremely effective at preventing severe COVID-19 in mice. This research also paves the way for the potential rapid design of novel T-cell vaccines against emerging and seasonal viral diseases, like influenza,” said Dr. Kirimanjeswara.

Evaxion's AI-driven viral vaccine discovery platforms have the potential to significantly shorten the vaccine discovery timeline and enhance the efficiency of vaccine development, leading to the development of safe and effective vaccines in a shorter timeframe. With its innovative approach, Evaxion is at the forefront of vaccine target discovery using artificial intelligence.

For more information about our publication, please visit:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1166546
Innovation Fund Denmark supported this research.

About Evaxion
Evaxion Biotech A/S is a clinical-stage biotech company developing AI-powered immunotherapies. Evaxion’s proprietary and scalable AI technologies decode the human immune system to discover and develop novel immunotherapies for cancer, bacterial diseases, and viral infections. Evaxion has a broad pipeline of product candidates, including three personalized cancer immunotherapies. The company is located in Hørsholm, Denmark, with 50 employees and is listed on the Nasdaq New York stock exchange. For more information, please visit: www.evaxion-biotech.com.                                      

Source: Evaxion Biotech

Forward-looking statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The words “target,” “believe,” “expect,” “hope,” “aim,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “anticipate,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “estimate,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “will,” “can have,” “likely,” “should,” “would,” “could,” and other words and terms of similar meaning identify forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, risks related to: our financial condition and need for additional capital; our development work; cost and success of our product development activities and preclinical and clinical trials; commercializing any approved pharmaceutical product developed using our AI platform technology, including the rate and degree of market acceptance of our product candidates; our dependence on third parties including for conduct of clinical testing and product manufacture; our inability to enter into partnerships; government regulation; protection of our intellectual property rights; employee matters and managing growth; our ADSs and ordinary shares, the impact of international economic, political, legal, compliance, social and business factors, including inflation, and the effects on our business from the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in the region surrounding Ukraine and Russia; and other uncertainties affecting our business operations and financial condition. For a further discussion of these risks, please refer to the risk factors included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which are available at www.sec.gov. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required by law.

FAQ

What is the significance of the RAVEN platform developed by Evaxion?

The RAVEN platform enables the discovery of protective T-cell epitopes, enhancing vaccine development against various viral diseases.

What were the findings of the recent study published by Evaxion?

The study demonstrated effective prevention of severe COVID-19 in mice using T-cell epitopes identified by Evaxion's AI technology.

How does the AI-driven platform RAVEN improve vaccine development?

RAVEN streamlines the identification of T-cell epitopes, potentially leading to more effective and rapid vaccine development.

When was the preclinical data about the RAVEN platform published?

The preclinical data was published on April 13, 2023.

What type of diseases can the RAVEN platform target?

The RAVEN platform is designed to target existing, emerging, and mutating viral diseases.