EpiVax

EpiVax is a biotechnology company specializing in immunoinformatics and vaccine design. Founded in 1998 and based in Providence, Rhode Island, EpiVax utilizes computational immunology tools and proprietary algorithms to predict and optimize the immunogenicity and safety of vaccines and immunotherapies.

Core Technologies and Services:

EpiVax's core technology revolves around the identification and analysis of T cell epitopes, which are short peptide sequences derived from proteins that bind to MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex) molecules and stimulate the immune system. The company uses its in silico (computer-based) methods to:

• Identify potential T cell epitopes: Algorithms are used to predict which protein fragments are most likely to bind to MHC molecules and elicit an immune response.
• Optimize vaccine design: By identifying and modifying or including specific T cell epitopes, EpiVax aims to create vaccines that are more effective and less likely to cause adverse reactions.
• Personalized Immunotherapy: EpiVax technologies are applied to identify neoepitopes, tumor-specific antigens that can be used to develop personalized cancer immunotherapies.
• De-immunization: EpiVax technologies can also be used to remove or modify immunogenic epitopes from therapeutic proteins to reduce the risk of unwanted immune responses.
• Identify potential Tregitopes: Tregitopes are naturally occurring T regulatory epitopes that can suppress immune responses. EpiVax uses proprietary algorithms to identify Tregitopes in protein sequences and leverage them for therapeutic applications in autoimmune diseases, allergies, and transplant rejection.

Applications:

EpiVax's technologies have a wide range of applications, including:

• Vaccine development: Designing vaccines against infectious diseases, including influenza, HIV, and cancer.
• Immunotherapy: Developing immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
• Drug development: Optimizing the immunogenicity and safety of therapeutic proteins and antibodies.
• Food allergy: Identifying and mitigating potential allergens in food products.

Collaborations:

EpiVax collaborates with various academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies to advance its research and develop new products. These collaborations often involve applying EpiVax's immunoinformatics tools to specific research questions or drug development programs.

Intellectual Property:

EpiVax holds a number of patents and licenses related to its immunoinformatics technologies and vaccine design methods. These intellectual property rights protect the company's innovations and provide a competitive advantage.