Bio-healthcare company Dx&Vx (DXVX) has officially announced the acceleration of its development program for a universal COVID-19 vaccine, following the recent acquisition of related technology. The next-generation vaccine is designed to provide immunity against both current and future variants of the coronavirus and is drawing global attention amid a new wave of COVID-19 cases worldwide.
Global health organizations, including the WHO, have raised concerns about rising COVID-19 cases in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. These warnings have highlighted the urgent need for more robust and lasting immune solutions against evolving virus variants.
Virus-Like Particle Platform Technology
DXVX, led by COREE Group Chairman Chong-Yoon Lim, the eldest son of Hanmi Pharmaceutical Group's founder, secured the universal vaccine technology late last year. The vaccine under development uses a virus-like particle (VLP) platform, which offers greater stability and ease of storage compared to mRNA vaccines. Theoretically, it has the potential to prevent infections caused by all known and future COVID-19 variants.
The VLP platform represents a significant advancement in vaccine technology, particularly in terms of storage and distribution capabilities. Unlike mRNA vaccines that require ultra-cold storage, the VLP-based approach provides enhanced stability under standard storage conditions.
Clinical Development Progress
Currently, DXVX is advancing through the regulatory procedures necessary to initiate Phase 2 clinical trials in South Korea, the U.S., and Southeast Asia. After successfully completing Phase 1 trials in the U.S. and South Africa, the company is preparing its Investigational New Drug (IND) applications for global Phase 2 studies.
The successful completion of Phase 1 trials demonstrates the vaccine's safety profile and provides the foundation for expanded clinical testing across multiple geographic regions.
Comprehensive COVID-19 Treatment Portfolio
DXVX also acquired a universal COVID-19 treatment technology last year from LUCA AI Cell. According to DXVX, "Luca's treatment technology has efficacy test data for dozens of lethal viruses, including COVID-19," and the company added, "It is expected to enable the development of a new-concept COVID-19 treatment."
This acquisition complements the vaccine development program, positioning DXVX to address both prevention and treatment aspects of COVID-19 management.
Diversified Pipeline Development
In addition to its universal COVID-19 vaccine and treatment, Dx&Vx is actively targeting the global pharmaceutical and biotech market through a diverse pipeline, including:
- A next-generation mRNA vaccine platform capable of ultra-long-term storage at room temperature
- An oral obesity treatment
- The OVM-200 cancer vaccine based on the ROP platform technology
The mRNA vaccine platform capable of ultra-long-term storage at room temperature is considered a game-changer, as it enables vaccination even in countries with limited cold-chain infrastructure, thereby lowering geographical barriers in responding to infectious diseases. Discussions to sign Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) with major domestic and global mega pharmaceutical companies have recently accelerated, indicating that the platform has entered the late stages of licensing out, with visible outcomes expected within this year.
Obesity and Cancer Treatment Programs
The oral obesity treatment, which is about to enter clinical trials, addresses the inconvenience of injection-based therapies while demonstrating effectiveness in improving fat metabolism, with related patents already filed. The OVM cancer vaccine represents a novel immuno-oncology approach targeting solid tumors and is also open to potential joint development with global pharmaceutical companies.
Strategic Vision for Pandemic Preparedness
A DXVX spokesperson stated, "We are committed to advancing the development of the universal COVID-19 vaccine, while also preparing for potential future COVID-19 variants and lethal infectious diseases, such as 'Disease X'." The spokesperson added, "In addition to the major pipelines currently being promoted for licensing out, we are actively investing in R&D across multiple technology assets and expect sustainable long-term outcomes."
The company's comprehensive approach to infectious disease preparedness positions it as a potential leader in next-generation vaccine and treatment development, particularly as global health authorities continue to emphasize the need for pandemic readiness.
