Mymetics Starts Research Collaboration Project in Cancer Immunotherapy with eTheRNA
Epalinges, Switzerland and Niel, Belgium - 16 October 2018 – Mymetics Corporation (OTCQB:MYMX), a pioneer and leader in the research and development of virosome-based vaccines, announced today that Mymetics BV, the Dutch subsidiary of Mymetics Corporation, has entered into a research collaboration project with eTheRNA immunotherapies NV, a clinical stage biotech company developing novel mRNA cancer immunotherapies.
The objective of the project is to evaluate the suitability of Mymetics’ proprietary virosome vaccine delivery technology in combination with eTheRNA’s proprietary TriMix mRNA. eTheRNA will evaluate the duration and intensity of mRNA expression when formulated with virosome technology in vivo and the induction of antigen specific T cells and antitumor efficacy upon therapeutic vaccination in selected tumor models.
Mymetics’ virosome particles have shown to be able to trigger good specific T cell responses as virosomes are able to be absorbed and processed by dendritic cells, thereby presenting specific antigens to T cells to promote immunity against these foreign antigens.
The project is the first step in determining if there is a basis for a further collaboration between Mymetics and eTheRNA.
“We have been interested in further evaluating Mymetics’ virosomes in cancer immunotherapies for a while, so we look forward to work with eTheRNA in this explorative project to evaluate their innovative mRNA constructs in combination with our virosomes and to test the efficacy in tumor models,” stated Ronald Kempers, CEO of Mymetics Corporation.
“mRNA-based therapies have a unique potential to enhance cancer immunotherapy. For mRNA to reach its target, the cellular cytosol and have an optimal effect, the selection of an appropriate delivery vehicle is key. As viruses have evolved highly effective mechanisms to deliver their nucleic acids across cellular membranes, we believe Mymetics’ virosomes might synergize with our mRNA platform and thus further boost the potency of eTheRNA’s mRNA immunotherapies,” stated Peter Tomme, head of preclinical development of eTheRNA.
About Mymetics
Mymetics Corporation (OTCQB:MYMX) is a Swiss based biotechnology company, with a research lab in the Netherlands, focused on the development of next-generation preventative vaccines for infectious and life disabling diseases. It currently has several vaccines in its pipeline: HIV-1/AIDS, intranasal Influenza, malaria, Chikungunya and the RSV vaccine and a collaborative project in the field of allergy immunotherapy with Anergis SA.
Mymetics’ core technology and expertise are in the use of virosomes, lipid-based carriers containing functional fusion viral proteins and natural membrane proteins, in combination with rationally designed antigens. For further information, please visit www.mymetics.com.
About eTheRNA
eTheRNA immunotherapies is a clinical-stage company working to deliver innovative cancer immunotherapies from its proprietary mRNA-based TriMix platform. eTheRNA’s goal is to commercialize these immunotherapies to deliver long-lasting clinical remission to a broad range of cancer patients. eTheRNA was established in January 2013 as a spin-off from the VUB university in Belgium and is backed by leading international life sciences institutional investors.
Contacts
Mymetics Corporation
Ronald Kempers
Chief Executive Officer
Tel: +41 21 653 4535
eTheRNA
Dirk Van Broekhoven
Tel: +32 3 369 17 49
Citigate Dewe Rogerson (International media enquiries) – for eTheRNA
David Dible, Mark Swallow
+44 (0)20 7638 9571
etherna@citigatedewerogerson.
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