BG Applications
BG Cancer Immunotherapy
BGCI destroys cancer cells through targeted induction of an immune reaction against tumor (neo)-antigens through activation of silenced immune cells in the tumor microenvironment recognizing released fragments of cancer cells in combination with the adjuvant effect of BGs. The therapy is directed to the primary tumor as well as metastases throughout the body. BGCI aims to significantly reduce or cure the tumor burden resulting in improved quality of life by extended periods of stable disease, cancer remission, and temporary and/or permanent disease free status (see recent poster). The company is currently raising funds through the ambitious EU Horizon 2020 SME program to extend its pre-clinical investigations and conduct a first in man BG tolerability study.
BGs as Human Vaccines
The global market for human vaccines against infectious diseases is still in its development phase and is open to innovative approaches. Over the last couple of years BIRD-C has tested BGs as candidate vaccines in preclinical animal studies of various Gram-negative bacteria that are either themselves human pathogens or were used as carriers of bacterial, viral or parasitic antigens derived from other infectious agents. Among others, a vaccine candidate against Shigella flexneri, a pathogen causing severe diarrhea in humans, has been developed into the late pre-clinic. In addition various vaccine candidates against Chlamydia trachomatis are currently being developed under the umbrella of the Laura Bassi Centre OCUVAC, a joint development project with the Medical University Vienna. Chlamydia trachomatis is a major health concern in developing nations where it represents a prime source for blindness, and a multi-billion dollar market in the developed world as one of the leading sexually transmitted diseases.
Interested in knowing about BGs competitive advantages and list of proof of concept studies for induction of immune responses against various important human pathogens? Please read following leaflet.
BGs as Veterinary Vaccines
Contrary to the human vaccine market innovations in the veterinary field are relatively rare due to the high price sensitivity of the market. At the same time innovative approaches such as BG vaccines are definitely needed. Low vaccine development-, production- and delivering costs are of pivotal advantage for BGs which can be stored at room temperature and administered via mucosal or parental routes. Since its inception BIRD-C has advanced various veterinary vaccine candidates into studies in target animals including poultry, pigs and cattle.
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Interested in knowing about BGs competitive advantages and list of in-vivo proof of concept studies for induction of immune responses against various important veterinary pathogens? Please read following leaflet.
BGs as an Adjuvant
To elicit their full immunological potential subunit vaccines commonly need to be combined with adjuvants such as alum. However, the currently used adjuvants have various limitations and the adjuvant options available to any recombinant vaccine manufacturer are very limited. BGs can either be mixed with the antigen of interest, or the antigen can be expressed in a Gram-negative bacterium to be turned into BGs, thereby creating a bacteria shell with integrated antigens. BIRD-C fully utilizes the natural intrinsic adjuvant effect of BGs in its vaccine candidates and does not require classical adjuvants. BGs allow for prolonged storage at room temperature and are ideal particles for needle free delivery.
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If you are interested in learning more about Bacterial Ghosts as adjuvant for your antigens please get in touch.
BG Dendritic Cell Vaccine (BGDCV)
comprises the development of personalized dendritic cell based autologous anti-tumor vaccine. The immune therapy of late stage cancer patients using the patient’s own monocyte derived dendritic cells (DCs), activated ex-vivo with BGs loaded with autologous tumor lysate. Recent studies in cooperation with the company Froceth, Vilnius, Lithuania, have confirmed that BGs has no cytotoxic and genotoxic impacts on viability and metabolic activity of a wide range of tested cells. BGs and tumor antigens are efficiently recognized and internalized by ex vivo maturated DCs and induce in patients beneficial immunotherapeutic effects (publication of a pilot study in preparation).