Next-Generation Herpes Drug Development Platform Acquired

A  Massachusetts based company developing viral immunotherapies across multiple tumor indications announced that it has acquired all of the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) based assets from PeriphaGen, Inc.

Announced by Candel Therapeutics on January 8, 2020, this acquisition consolidates a next-generation herpes drug development platform and manufacturing expertise that can be tailored to multiple tumor types and indications. 

The acquired development platform enables precise modifications to the virus backbone, allowing customization of viral traits such as replication capacity, tissue specificity and the expression of a large number of payloads including immunomodulators.

In addition, Candel acquired PeriphaGen’s lead product candidate developed to address chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. 

This product candidate has been rationally engineered to provide neuroprotective activity via high-level and durable expression of a neurotrophin peptide to specifically impacted nerve ganglia. 

PeriphaGen’s two scientific founders, highly respected experts in Herpes vectorology and peripheral neuropathy, David Krisky, M.D., Ph.D. and James Wechuck, Ph.D., have joined Candel to support the continuous development of the platform and products.

Candel Therapeutics is a Needham, Massachusetts based biotechnology company developing its proprietary immuno-oncology platforms, including its Gene Mediated Cytotoxic Immunotherapy (GMCI™) and proprietary HSV based platform, for the treatment of solid tumors and associated neurological pathologies.

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Vaccine development news published by Precision Vaccinations.