Pipeline
More informaton about HPV
HPV Immunotherapy for cervical cancers
HPV Immunotherapy for cervical cancers
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by high-risk HPV types, with HPV16 being the most significant. Cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers in women globally, with an estimated 660 000 new cases and 350 000 deaths in 2022. In fact, despite the availability of safe and effective prophylactic vaccines, the incidence of cervical cancer continues to rise with an anticipated 860 000 new cases in 2040.
Global prophylactic vaccination rates remain far below levels needed to suppress future disease burden, with only 18% of all 15-year old women vaccinated globally, and women >35 years of age remaining largely unvaccinated. It is therefore not surprising that the advancement of therapeutic vaccines targeting HPV has been recognized as a significant complement to existing strategies for the prevention of HPV-related cancers.
Astrivax’s strategy is to establish a beachhead within the field through the initial targeting the most critically underserved segment of the market, i.e. women with persistent HPV16 infections without high-grade lesions. These women, who are typically aged 30–50 years (i.e. an active, working-age group), do currently not have any treatment options. Following proof-of-concept in this population, expansion of the population is envisaged.
HPV Immunotherapy for other HPV-associated cancers
HPV Immunotherapy for other HPV-associated cancers
In addition to cervical cancers, high-risk HPV infections can cause other type of cancers, including anal, head & neck, vaginal, vulvar and penile cancers. Following proof-of-concept in Astrivax’s primary indication (persistent cervical HPV16 infections without high-grade lesions), expansion to other HPV-associated cancers is envisaged.
Upcoming clinical milestones
Global Health Pathogens
Launch-iT clinical validation (Yellow fever)
Launch-iT clinical validation (Yellow fever)
Yellow fever (YF)
YF is caused by the transmission of the YF virus via the bite of an infected mosquito. It is a highly pathogenic virus with a case fatality rate of more than 30%. There are >30 000 deaths/year with increasing number of cases (CDC). Climate change is expanding the range of mosquito-borne diseases, posing a risk to half of the world’s population. YF vaccination is required for travelers to certain countries and is recommended for all travelers to areas subject to endemic and epidemic disease (WHO). The current surge in market demand is evident due to expansion of the travel market and new areas of risks.
Astrivax Therapeutics’ response to increasing need of new generation YF vaccines
Astrivax Therapeutics is providing fast-track validation and proof-of-concept for its proprietary Launch-iT technology by testing Launch-iT YF, the yellow fever based viral vector. Using biomarker data (Correlates of Protection), this initiative aims to demonstrate the platform’s efficacy, scalability, and potential for broader applications.
Development status: Phase I clinical study (SAFYR) testing the safety and immune responses of Launch-iT YF completed
Launch-iT clinical validation (Rabies)
Launch-iT clinical validation (Rabies)
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease most often transmitted through the bite or scratch of a rabid animal. While rabies is a preventable disease (through pre-exposure prophylaxis and/or post-exposure prophylaxis), an estimated >60 000 people die annually from the disease around the world (CDC) as Rabies is causing acute encephalitis. Once the virus infects the central nervous system and clinical symptoms appear, it is fatal in 100% of the cases.
Astrivax Therapeutics is pioneering a next-gen life saving Rabies vaccine
Astrivax Therapeutics is fast-tracking the validation and proof-of-concept for its proprietary Launch-iT technology by testing Launch-iT Rabies for the prevention of rabies. Using biomarker data (Correlates of Protection), the company aims to further confirm the platform’s efficacy, scalability, and potential for broader applications.
Development status: Phase I clinical study (SAFYR) testing the safery and immune responses of Launch-iT Rabies completed.
Launch-iT clinical validation (Chronic Hepatitis B)
Launch-iT clinical validation (Chronic Hepatitis B)
Chronic Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a condition caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus can cause both acute and chronic disease. Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a major public health problem. WHO estimates that 254 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B infection, with 1.2 million new infections each year and 1.1 million deaths, mostly from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (WHO 2024). Antiviral therapy is effective in controlling the disease but does typically not allow to cure the infection. Hence life-long antiviral therapy is required.
Astrivax Therapeutics´ approach to functional CHB cure
Astrivax Therapeutics is developing Launch-iT HBV, a candidate CHB immunotherapy, that efficiently induces specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells and is expected to be a promising component in of a combination therapy that may lead to a functional cure.
Development status: Ongoing Phase 1 clinical study (RUBY) testing the safety and Immune response of Launch-iT HBV.
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News
Stay up to date with the latest news, insights, and developments shaping our work and our journey.
AstriVax receives the “Best Pitch Award” at Immunity for Health from Flanders Vaccine, sponsored by the Biotech Innovation Procurement Platform (BIPP)
Read moreAstriVax Therapeutics Further Strengthens Team with the Appointment of Dieter Weinand as New Chair of the Board of Directors
Read moreAstriVax Therapeutics Initiates Clinical Development of AVX70371, a Hepatitis B immunotherapy using Launch-iT technology
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