VBI Vaccines presents data supporting the use of its eVLP platform to develop a novel HCV vaccine candidate

VBI Vaccines delivered a presentation at the World Vaccine Congress Asia 2015 that supports the potential use of its enveloped virus-like particle (eVLP) platform in the development of a novel Hepatitis C (HCV) vaccine candidate.

eVLPs are an innovative new class of synthetic vaccines that are designed to closely resemble the structure of viruses. Because of their structural similarity to viruses found in nature, eVLPs are capable of imparting greater immunity than immunization with the same recombinant target protein alone.

VBI believes its HCV eVLP vaccine may be capable of replacing interferon when used in combination with standard antivirals

VBI’s eVLP vaccine platform has been used to develop a Hepatitis C vaccine candidate that may be capable of eliciting broadly reactive neutralising antibodies against multiple genotypes of HCV. This is a critical issue for HCV, as the virus is characterised by multiple, geographically distinct genotypes. Addressing the genetic diversity of the Hepatitis C virus may provide an advantage in developing successful antiviral regimens or therapeutic vaccines. In addition, VBI believes its HCV vaccine candidate may be capable of replacing interferon when used in combination with standard antivirals.

“VBI has previously demonstrated strong cross-reactive neutralising antibody responses against multiple genotypes of HCV in monkeys,” said Mr. Baxter. “Based on this data, we believe our HCV vaccine candidate has the potential to be a promising and safe component of HCV treatment regimens, especially in areas where the transmission of Hepatitis C has not yet been adequately addressed by the existing field of approved and available drugs.”