Launch-iT
Technology
We have developed a best-in-class platform for virus-targeted immunotherapy
Durable effector and memory T-cells capable of clearing virus-infected cells
Tech transfer-ready and scalable manufacturing process
Broad applicability across major unmet medical needs in oncology and beyond
Introduction
Launch-iT proprietary platform
A unique platform combining today’s best technologies: plasmid DNA launching a self-amplifying viral vector with antigens of choice.
Our clinically validated Launch-iT platform generates durable, antigen-specific T-cell responses that clear virus-infected cells, supported by a scalable, tech-transfer–ready manufacturing process.
A unique platform combining today’s best technologies: plasmid DNA launching a self-amplifying viral vector with antigens of choice
Launch-iT proprietary platform - Process steps
Plasmid DNA
Standard administration by injection
Plasmid encoding for live-attenuated yellow fever vector with target antigen sequence
Self-amplifying viral vector
Spontaneous formation of self-amplifying yellow fever viral vectors encoding for and producing the target antigen
Broad immune response
Induction of antigen-specific effector and memory T-cells capable of clearing cells infected with the target pathogen
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Discover more about our Launch-iT platform
Broad applicability across major unmet medical needs in oncology and beyond
Broad applicability across major unmet medical needs in oncology and beyond
Though the induction of potent effector and memory T-cell response against selected target pathogens, the Launch-iT platform can be used to develop immunotherapies for a wide range of virus-driven cancers. In fact, potential future indications could also extend beyond oncology to other indications that benefit from strong cellular immunity to target and eliminate infected cells or pathogens, including autoimmune diseases (where viral infections are increasingly recognized as drivers of disease).
Tech transfer-ready and scalable manufacturing process
Tech transfer-ready and scalable manufacturing process
Launch-iTs are DNA plasmids and therefore come with a standard 2-step plasmid manufacturing process, which is the same for all Launch-iTs (irrespective of the target antigens). Plasmid manufacturing is not only easily scalable, it can also be readily transferred from one manufacturing plant to another.
Durable effector and memory T-cells capable of clearing virus-infected cells
Durable effector and memory T-cells capable of clearing virus-infected cells
Launch-iTs are DNA plasmids encoding the genome of a live attenuated flavivirus with the sequence of antigens from the target pathogen inserted. Upon administration of very low dose levels (microgram range), Launch-iTs enter human cells, where they launch live attenuated flaviviral vectors that express the target antigens as they replicate. The live attenuated flavivirus thereby serves as a delivery system as well as an inherent adjuvant, resulting in the induction of a potent effector and memory T-cell response against the target pathogen.
To cure chronic viral infections, a strong cellular immune response towards the target pathogen is critical. Traditional prophylactic vaccines generally aim at inducing high levels of neutralizing antibodies, which recognize and neutralize pathogens before entering human cells, thereby preventing infection. Once the pathogen resides inside the body however, antibodies cannot reach it, and the immune system relies on cell-mediated immunity (T-cells) to seek out and destroy infected cells (or activate other cells to do so). Infected cells present fragments of the pathogen on their surface (antigen presentation). These are recognized by T-cells, which then eliminate the infected cells through apoptosis or activation of microbicidal processes, resulting in the clearance of the infection.
Broad applicability across major unmet medical needs in oncology and beyond
Though the induction of potent effector and memory T-cell response against selected target pathogens, the Launch-iT platform can be used to develop immunotherapies for a wide range of virus-driven cancers. In fact, potential future indications could also extend beyond oncology to other indications that benefit from strong cellular immunity to target and eliminate infected cells or pathogens, including autoimmune diseases (where viral infections are increasingly recognized as drivers of disease).
Tech transfer-ready and scalable manufacturing process
Launch-iTs are DNA plasmids and therefore come with a standard 2-step plasmid manufacturing process, which is the same for all Launch-iTs (irrespective of the target antigens). Plasmid manufacturing is not only easily scalable, it can also be readily transferred from one manufacturing plant to another.
Durable effector and memory T-cells capable of clearing virus-infected cells
Launch-iTs are DNA plasmids encoding the genome of a live attenuated flavivirus with the sequence of antigens from the target pathogen inserted. Upon administration of very low dose levels (microgram range), Launch-iTs enter human cells, where they launch live attenuated flaviviral vectors that express the target antigens as they replicate. The live attenuated flavivirus thereby serves as a delivery system as well as an inherent adjuvant, resulting in the induction of a potent effector and memory T-cell response against the target pathogen.
To cure chronic viral infections, a strong cellular immune response towards the target pathogen is critical. Traditional prophylactic vaccines generally aim at inducing high levels of neutralizing antibodies, which recognize and neutralize pathogens before entering human cells, thereby preventing infection. Once the pathogen resides inside the body however, antibodies cannot reach it, and the immune system relies on cell-mediated immunity (T-cells) to seek out and destroy infected cells (or activate other cells to do so). Infected cells present fragments of the pathogen on their surface (antigen presentation). These are recognized by T-cells, which then eliminate the infected cells through apoptosis or activation of microbicidal processes, resulting in the clearance of the infection.
Download our latest poster here:
NOVEL IMMUNOTHERAPY GENERATES ROBUST HPV-SPECIFIC T-CELL RESPONSES AND SHOWS EFFICACY IN A HPV16 TUMOR MODEL
Bringing virus-targeted immunotherapy to patients
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