Mymetics Corp (MYMX)

[Work Harder]

Among the conserved neutralizing epitopes of Env the Membrane-Proximal External Region (MPER) of gp41 is widely recognized as a promising target for vaccine development.

pg 53 & 54

Sylvain Fleury, Mymetics Corporation, Epalinges, Switzerland


The ideal vaccine to prevent sexual transmission of HIV-1 should obviate entry and
very early infection of HIV-1 at mucosal sites, otherwise it may be too late.
The Mymetics approach is to construct a virosome particle consisting of HIV proteins
embedded in influenza membranes. This looks like a VLP particle in size and the lipid
may improve the antigen presentation. The antigens incorporated are from gp41 and
a Membrane-Proximal External Region (MPER) peptide called P1. P1 is a lipopeptide
Proceedings of the Tenth Global Vaccine Research Forum and Parallel Satellite Symposia, Geneva, 26-29 June 2011
54
containing the Membrane-Proximal External Region (MPER) and the galactosyl
ceramide mucosal receptor binding motif.
The group previously demonstrated that mucosal IgAs/IgGs induced by vaccination
with those virosomes, protect non-human primates (NHP) against vaginal heterologous
SHIV challenges, in the absence of serum neutralizing antibodies. At present they are
investigating if mucosal antibodies with similar antiviral properties can be induced in
women during a Phase I trial. The design is injecting virosomes IM at 0 and 8 weeks,
followed by IN immunization at 16 and 24 wks.
Preliminary results show safety of the virosomes. The immunogenicity results are also
confirming the previous data obtained on non-human primates, and the anti-HIV-1
mucosal responses elicited are an indication of the potential of this approach.