VIRxSYS has developed a proprietary HIV-based lentiviral vector gene delivery system, from which the disease-causing aspects of the virus have been removed, leaving behind an efficient delivery vehicle.
In order to provide a therapy against HIV, VIRxSYS has equipped the vector with a long antisense sequence against the HIV envelope protein to create VRX496. The Company is currently evaluating VRX496, the first application of our lentiviral vector delivery platform, in Phase II clinical trials. The progress made in developing VRX496 has led us to begin development of other therapies to administer to patients via our lentiviral vector system.
Development of additional methods of administration will allow us to treat a broad range of serious human diseases. VIRxSYS is currently establishing three main approaches for administering therapies to patients via its lentiviral vector:
- CD4 T cell Immunotherapy – In this process, lymphocytes are extracted from a patient, and those cells are purified to select CD4 T cells. The lentiviral vector containing a designated gene or other therapy is transduced (inserted) into the CD4 T cells. The T cells that are genetically modified by the lentiviral vector are reinfused back into the patient.
Current therapy application: VRX496 for HIV/AIDS - Hematopoietic Stem Cell – In this process, stem cells are extracted from a patient and the lentiviral vector containing a designated gene or other therapy is transduced (inserted) into the cells. The stem cells that are genetically modified by the lentiviral vector are reinfused back into the patient. These cells replicate and each of the progeny carry the modified genes.
Potential therapy application: Cancer - Direct Injectable – VIRxSYS is currently working on developing a method for direct injection of the lentiviral gene delivery vector.
Potential therapy application: Vaccine
VIRxSYS has various collaborations to develop additional therapies for HIV, cancer, and genetic diseases with The Johns Hopkins University, University of Pennsylvania, and private companies in the United States and Europe.