Clinical trials of a vaccine against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which has been established as a leading cause of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), are set to start next year.
The first vaccine candidate, named EBV-001, is being developed by EBViously, a spin-off from Helmholtz Munich (HMGU), which is led by world-leading experts in EBV biology, genetics, and immunity.
EBViously has generated positive preclinical proof-of-concept data on the immunogenicity of the vaccine candidate. The induction of a broad humoral and cellular immune response has already been demonstrated in animal models, reflecting the spectrum of antiviral immunity in humans.
The vaccine candidate is based on non-infectious EBV-derived virus-like particles (VLPs). It is a highly immunogenic, multi-antigen vaccine that mimics the original viral pathogen and its complexity, delivering more than 50 viral antigens in their native conformation.
Groundbreaking research last year found EBV – a common herpes virus – to be a primary cause of MS, with researchers saying that “most MS cases could be prevented by stopping EBV infection, and that targeting EBV could lead to the discovery of a cure for MS”.
“Based on our very favorable preclinical proof-of-concept data regarding the immunogenicity of the vaccine, we are confident that EBV-001 can effectively prevent the development of infectious mononucleosis and the often associated chronic fatigue syndrome,” says Dr Axel Polack, designated CEO of EBViously.
“A GMP process has been established by a commercial CMO and our goal is to begin clinical trials in 2024.”
“As a primary indication, we are targeting the prevention of infectious mononucleosis, also known as kissing disease or glandular fever, and post-infectious fatigue/chronic fatigue (ME/CFS), a common, long-COVID-like protracted disease following infectious mononucleosis,” says Professor Wolfgang Hammerschmidt, designated CSO of EBViously.
“Other potential indications include the prevention of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) and EBV-associated cancers. As infectious mononucleosis is a known risk factor for multiple sclerosis, there is great hope that our vaccine may also reduce the incidence of this chronic neurodegenerative autoimmune disease.”
EBViously has so far received 9.6million Euroes in funding from Helmholtz Validierungs Fonds (HVF) and the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF).
