DXVX Accelerates Global Clinical Development of Universal Coronavirus Vaccine and Therapeutic Targeting All Variants

On May 21, DXVX announced that, amid the recent resurgence of COVID-19 in China and Southeast Asia, it is accelerating the clinical development of vaccine and therapeutic technologies that can respond to all types of coronavirus variants.

DXVX completed the acquisition of technology for the development of a universal coronavirus vaccine and a universal coronavirus therapeutic last year, in preparation for a potential second pandemic. This year, the company is proceeding with procedures such as designing clinical protocols to conduct Phase 2 clinical trials for the universal coronavirus vaccine in global markets including South Korea, the United States, and Southeast Asia. For the universal coronavirus therapeutic, the company is preparing for Phase 1 clinical trials in the global market, with full-scale technology development expected to begin this year.

The universal coronavirus prophylactic vaccine under development by DXVX is a new-structure universal vaccine, currently being prepared for global Phase 2 clinical trials. The universal coronavirus therapeutic is completing preclinical studies and is preparing for Phase 1 clinical trials.

Notably, last year the company completed the licensing-in of coronavirus prophylactic vaccine technology from Stanford University in the United States, which it considers an appropriate strategic move in light of the current COVID-19 resurgence. The universal coronavirus vaccine features a unique structure in the form of a virus-like particle (VLP) combined with ferritin, an iron-containing protein in the body. It is regarded as the most technologically advanced form of coronavirus vaccine and is theoretically capable of preventing infections caused by all types of coronavirus variants. After successfully completing Phase 1 clinical trials in the United States and South Africa, DXVX is now establishing plans for global Phase 2 clinical trials and is preparing the necessary IND documentation for Phase 2.

The universal coronavirus therapeutic secured technology through a license-in agreement last year with Luka AI Cell (hereafter referred to as Luka), enabling it to target a variety of viruses. Luka's antiviral peptide recognizes the curvature of viruses with lipid envelopes below a certain size and physically destroys them. In addition, antiviral efficacy data has been secured for dozens of deadly viruses, including coronaviruses, making it possible to develop a new-concept coronavirus therapeutic capable of countering all types of coronavirus variants.

A DXVX representative stated, "By preparing in advance for the recent resurgence of the coronavirus, we have secured vaccine and therapeutic technologies that can counter all coronaviruses and their variants, and we have now entered the subsequent clinical development stage for commercialization." The representative added, "We are also actively engaged in developing technologies to prepare for Disease X, an unknown but potentially deadly disease that could emerge in any form at any time, not just COVID-19."

Meanwhile, in addition to vaccine and therapeutic technologies, DXVX has also secured technology for developing COVID-19 diagnostic kits and maintains GMP production facilities.