Evaxion, a frontrunner in AI-driven biotechnology, is set to participate in this year's ESMO Immuno-Oncology Congress, where it will present its customizable cancer vaccine development system, fueled by its own AI technology. This innovative system utilizes AI to analyze patient data, focusing on a specific target: ERV tumor antigens that exhibit a shared pattern among numerous patients. In simple terms, the AI identifies antigens that induce immune responses and are common across different cancer patients, then tailors them into a vaccine suitable for various cancer types, and in some cases, for individual patients.
Details of the Development Models
Evaxion remains rather secretive about the specifics of its proprietary AI systems. However, the company reveals that it has created four distinct models that work together within this product. The EDEN model identifies antigens that can trigger immune responses capable of eliminating bacterial infections. OBSERV complements the patient's existing antigens, focusing on ERVs, which are remnants of ancient immunities encoded in the human genome over time. PIONEER is designed to seek out patient-specific antigens that can be stimulated through immunotherapy. Lastly, RAVEN assesses the effectiveness of potential vaccine candidates. When combined, these models are theoretically equipped to discover the most effective immune treatment for an individual cancer patient.
Business Strategies and Partnerships
Evaxion refers to this system as AI-Immunology and has heavily invested in it since the company's inception. After going public and attracting a diverse array of investors in 2021, Evaxion has secured significant partnerships with well-known pharmaceutical companies. A notable recent agreement is with American pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co., which is based on milestones and could potentially earn Evaxion over $1 billion if everything unfolds favorably. The company's commercial portfolio currently features vaccines targeting Staph and gonorrhea, among others.
