Dx&Vx has secured global development rights from Stanford University for an innovative universal coronavirus vaccine based on ferritin nanoparticle technology, positioning the company to advance to Phase 2 clinical trials following successful Phase 1 results. The collaboration was established through the efforts of Chong-Yoon Lim, Chairman of the COREE Group and major shareholder of DXVX.
Superior Immune Response Demonstrated in Preclinical Studies
The ferritin-based virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine has shown remarkable performance in animal studies conducted by leading research institutions. According to data from the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), the ferritin-based VLP vaccine demonstrated neutralizing antibody levels more than ten times higher than those of mRNA vaccines. Additionally, the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China reported that the ferritin-based VLP vaccine outperformed mRNA vaccines, collectively indicating superior protective effects compared to traditional vaccine platforms.
The vaccine's 30nm nanoparticle size mimics the actual virus structure, enhancing phagocytosis by macrophages and stimulating robust immune responses from the complement and mononuclear phagocyte systems. This structural similarity enables the immune system to recognize the vaccine as the actual virus, inducing strong cytotoxic T-cell responses that effectively combat viral infections.
Addressing Current Vaccine Limitations
Unlike mRNA vaccines that require ultra-cold storage and are associated with lipid nanoparticle-related side effects, the ferritin-based VLP vaccine offers significant practical advantages. The vaccine demonstrates stability at room temperature for up to two weeks and has shown the ability to induce strong immune responses even in previously unexposed organisms.
Kevin Kwon, CEO of DX&VX, emphasized the vaccine's innovative approach: "The nanoparticle-based universal coronavirus vaccine is an innovative approach that overcomes the limitations of existing vaccines and offers broader protection against various mutations. It holds significant potential in preventing breakthrough infections."
Dual Immune Response Mechanism
The ferritin-based VLP vaccine is designed to strongly induce both humoral and cellular immune responses, making it superior to traditional antigen protein-based vaccines that primarily focus on humoral immunity. The human immune system defends against viral infections through both humoral and cellular immune responses in a process known as 'cross-presentation,' and vaccines that stimulate both systems simultaneously provide more robust and long-lasting immunity.
The vaccine can be administered through multiple routes, including systemic injection and nasal administration. Systemic injection activates humoral immunity to produce antibodies in the bloodstream, while nasal administration stimulates mucosal immunity, effectively blocking initial viral entry at the respiratory mucosa. This dual approach significantly reduces the risk of breakthrough infections.
Cross-Immunity Against Variants
Unlike traditional vaccines that rely solely on specific spike proteins, the ferritin-based approach targets multiple virus regions, promoting a broader immune response that can recognize and block various variants. The vaccine's antibody binding mechanism differs from traditional approaches - while conventional antibodies act like precise keys to specific antigens, nanoparticle vaccine-induced antibodies can bind flexibly to various sites, enabling recognition of diverse variants.
Based on animal studies, nanoparticle vaccines maintain high neutralizing antibody titers against coronavirus variants with just an annual booster, compared to mRNA vaccines which offer about six months of neutralizing antibody efficacy.
Phase 1 Success and Future Applications
Dx&Vx's VLP universal coronavirus vaccine has completed Phase 1 clinical trials in the United States and South Africa, where it was evaluated against mRNA vaccines for antibody titers and adverse effects. The results confirmed the technological superiority of this vaccine platform with excellent safety and immune response profiles.
The company is now preparing for global Phase 2 clinical trials with plans to extend administration routes and indications. The ferritin platform-based VLP vaccine is expected to be extended for the development of vaccines against various lethal viruses, such as influenza and Ebola, playing a critical role in future pandemic responses.
A Dx&Vx representative stated: "The ultimate goal of the Ferritin platform-based VLP vaccine under development is to provide a safe, superior, and convenient vaccine that offers maximum protection against various deadly infectious diseases for humanity."
