SpyBiotech Collaborates with Oxford on Epstein-Barr Virus R&D

OXFORD, England & CAMBRIDGE, Mass.—SpyBiotech, a biotechnology firm specializing in innovative vaccine platform technologies for infectious diseases, cancer, and chronic ailments, has entered into a research partnership with the University of Oxford to create a vaccine against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV is a widespread virus linked to serious health issues such as infectious mononucleosis, various cancers, and multiple sclerosis.

This collaboration aims to leverage Oxford University's advanced academic research in conjunction with SpyBiotech's unique SPYVLP platform technology. The joint venture will work on three vaccine candidates targeting EBV, progressing them to Phase I clinical trials for initial testing.

Mark Leuchtenberger, CEO of SpyBiotech, emphasized the significance of this research agreement, noting the absence of existing vaccines or treatments for EBV. He highlighted the urgency of addressing the virus due to its association with severe health conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and certain cancers. A recent study by Stanford Medicine, led by Dr. William Robinson, found that 99% of multiple sclerosis patients have EBV antibodies, indicating a prior infection. This finding underscores the necessity of a vaccine against EBV.

SpyBiotech’s SPYVLP vaccine platform is based on proprietary protein "superglue" technology. This technology enhances vaccine efficacy and safety by securely bonding antigens to vaccine delivery systems. The agreement stipulates that SpyBiotech will provide Oxford researchers with access to the SPYVLP platform, with the Oxford team advancing the research to a Phase I clinical trial.

Sumi Biswas, Ph.D., President and CSO of SpyBiotech, expressed enthusiasm about moving the EBV vaccine candidates to Phase I clinical trials, especially after promising pre-clinical results. These trials will be conducted by Professor Sandy Douglas and his team at the Jenner Institute, University of Oxford.

Currently, SpyBiotech is also conducting a Phase I trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of its HCMV vaccine in the UK. This study involves a six-month dosing schedule.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is primarily spread through saliva and is one of the most common human viruses. While most people recover from EBV within a few weeks, the virus can cause severe conditions such as mononucleosis, meningitis, encephalitis, and some cancers. Recent studies indicate a higher likelihood of EBV infection among individuals with multiple sclerosis and certain lymphomas. There are no existing vaccines or therapeutic treatments for EBV.

SpyBiotech, established in 2017 as a spin-off from the University of Oxford, focuses on developing vaccines for infectious diseases, cancer, and chronic diseases using its proprietary "superglue" technology. The company raised $32.5 million in Series A equity financing in 2021. SpyBiotech’s technology, based on research from the University of Oxford, offers a method to effectively bind antigens to vaccine delivery platforms, reducing delivery risks and enhancing vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy. This technology is particularly suitable for challenging environments such as the developing world, and has potential applications in non-infectious disease settings like cancer. SpyBiotech holds exclusive rights from the University of Oxford to apply and commercialize this technology in vaccine development.

In summary, the collaboration between SpyBiotech and the University of Oxford represents a significant stride towards developing a much-needed vaccine against EBV, with the potential to address several severe health conditions linked to the virus.

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