E!12406 MimoVac-E from 2A Pharma AB
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | 2A Pharma AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 3 035 551 |
| Project duration | October 2018 - September 2022 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Eurostars |
Important results from the project
The overall objective of the project was to develop and pre-clinically test an active vaccine that would induce an effective immune response against EpCAM-positive cancer cells. As part of the project, the consortium set out to develop phage display (PD) libraries and novel Next Generation Sequencing methods (NGS) as a validated platform for developing this and further mimotope-based AAVLP vaccines. The consortium is very happy to report that despite technical issues and significant challenges during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, all objectives were achieved.
Expected long term effects
The PD-NGS mimotope discovery platform developed during the project was used to select mimotopes and 55 different AAVLP-EpCAM vaccines were produced. The vaccines were tested for immunogenicity and the best performing were tested in a murine CT26 tumour model. Induction of strong anti-EpCAM specific IgG antibodies and statistically significant tumour regression and survival were observed. The results were presented at the World Vaccine Congress in Barcelona, 11-14 October 2022. Optimisation activities are ongoing prior to CTA/IND-enabling activities and clinical studies.
Approach and implementation
A novel PD-NGS mimotope discovery platform was developed and used to select antigen mimicking mimotopes. 55 different AAVLP-EpCAM vaccines were produced and tested for induction of EpCAM-specific antibodies. The best performing vaccines were further tested in a prophylactic cancer study with 80 mice. Mice were vaccinated prophylactically and on day 14 inoculated with 0,25x10^6 murine CT26-human-EpCAM cancer cells per mouse. Tumor progression was followed until study termination or until humane endpoint was reached.