Nykode Therapeutics Unveils Breakthrough Findings on Inverse Vaccine Platform at PEGS Europe

OSLO, Norway, Nov. 6, 2024 – Nykode Therapeutics ASA (OSE: NYKD), a pioneering biopharmaceutical company in the realm of immune therapies, has made waves at the annual PEGS Europe conference in Barcelona with groundbreaking findings regarding its APC-targeted inverse vaccine platform. This innovative approach is positioned to offer new hope in the realm of autoimmune diseases, particularly for conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS).

The research presented showcases the significant effectiveness of targeting antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in treating Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE), a widely-studied mouse model that simulates human MS. With around 2.8 million individuals impacted by MS globally and a staggering economic burden placed on healthcare systems, there is an urgent need for innovative treatment options. Nykode's findings suggest that its inverse vaccine could represent a game-changer in the management and treatment of this debilitating disease.

What’s striking about the new data is the demonstrated superiority of Nykode's inverse vaccine over traditional non-targeted vaccine approaches. Therapeutic applications of a newly developed version of the inverse vaccine showed exceptional protective effects in relapsing-remitting EAE models, mirroring the chronic cycle of MS in humans. This improvement builds on previous results where the vaccine, targeting a different central nervous system autoantigen, appeared to significantly curb disease severity and reduce inflammatory responses after the onset of EAE.

Dr. Agnete Fredriksen, Chief Scientific Officer and Co-founder of Nykode, emphasized the groundbreaking implications of this research, stating, “These findings shine a light on the potential of APC-targeted vaccines in eliciting therapeutic responses across varied EAE models, which could enhance clinical outcomes for MS patients. We are excited to present these results at PEGS Europe and to investigate further APC-targeted therapeutic strategies for autoimmune diseases.”

Nykode Therapeutics is not merely focused on autoimmunity; it is also making significant strides in cancer immunotherapy. The company's flagship products include VB10.16, a promising therapeutic vaccine for HPV16-related cancers, showing highly encouraging safety and efficacy in Phase 2 trials, especially for cervical cancer. Furthermore, VB10.16 is being further studied in rigorous trials targeting head and neck cancers.

Additionally, Nykode has formed strategic partnerships with leaders in the field, such as Genentech, to expand the reach of its cutting-edge cancer therapies, and it is exploring the versatility of its APC-targeted platform in various applications, from organ transplantation to allergies.

The implications of Nykode's research could not only revolutionize treatment options for MS, but they also hold the promise of broadening the scope of immunotherapy in various medical fields. As the fight against autoimmune diseases and cancers continues, Nykode Therapeutics stands at the forefront, leveraging innovative technology to redefine patient care.

For more insights and updates about Nykode Therapeutics, follow their journey in the rapidly evolving landscape of immunotherapy research and development.