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Company Spotlight: NeoVac
Published on 22 November 2024
This month we discovered the novel technology being spearheaded by the team at NeoVac, an occupier which is revolutionising the next generation of lipid nanoparticles* right here at its Milton Park headquarters.
*Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are tiny spherical particles made of lipids (fatty, waxy, or oily substances that play a crucial role in various bodily functions and act as the fundamental components of all living cells) designed as carriers for small molecule delivery (a process where small organic molecules, which serve as the primary component of most therapeutic drugs, are delivered to their target cells).
Using cutting-edge technology, NeoVac is creating a library of novel LNPs, which have “almost limitless options” to create better ribonucleic acid** (RNA) vaccines which are more thermostable and accessible, with broader capabilities and fewer side effects.
**Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a nucleic acid found in all living cells. Its main function is to serve as a messenger, transmitting instructions from DNA to regulate protein synthesis. In certain viruses, RNA replaces DNA as the carrier of genetic information.
Driving global change
From the initial technology developed at Tel Aviv University, to its application in NeoVac, the spin out has been enabling change around the globe since it was founded by Professor Dan Peer, Professor Sir Adrian Hill and Dr Eran Eilat in 2021, by creating near endless possibilities for the use of LNAs.
Currently serving as CEO and Co-Founder of NeoVac Ltd. and as a director in several other businesses, Dr Eran Eilat is a seasoned entrepreneur, inventor and founder. Dr Eilat is responsible for establishing 15 companies, primarily in the fields of drug delivery, many of which are clinical-stage enterprises.
During his PhD work, Dr Eilat successfully advanced a potential drug for the treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus through in-vitro and in-vivo development. This drug progressed to a Phase II human trial conducted by TEVA Pharmaceutical Ltd. (Nasdaq: TEVA).
Dr Eran Eilat, CEO & Co-Founder of NeoVac, said: “When we started NeoVac’s journey around two and a half years ago, we wanted to make a real, tangible change in the world.
“The technology we have created opens the door to almost limitless options, from new modalities for cancer, to novel ways of looking at bacterial infections.”
Professor Sir Adrian Hill leads Oxford University’s Jenner Institute and oversees NeoVac’s clinical trials. These trials feature promising studies on vaccines against COVID-19, malaria and other bacterial infections. As a world-renowned vaccinologist, Professor Hill was the co-inventor of the AstraZeneca vaccine, an expert in malaria vaccines and leader of over 80 high-profile vaccine clinical trials.
Professor Dan Peer, Vice President for Research and Development at Tel Aviv University and NeoVac’s chairperson, was the first to show systemic, cell-specific delivery of mRNA payloads in an animal, pioneering the use of RNA interference for drug discovery in immune cells.
Prof Dan Peer, Founder of NeoVac, adds: “The technology I developed back at Tel Aviv University with mRNA was the beginning of our pioneering work. This initial technology is what NeoVac is built on today.”
Expanding the world of lipid nanoparticles
The technology behind NeoVac can control the immunogenicity of lipid nanoparticles, meaning that it provides a safe, stable platform.
Prof Peer explains: “These lipids could either be those that are good for multiple dosing or multiple injections, or they could be those that will be great in vaccines.
“Either way, with our NeoVac technology, we are able to expand the scope of the world of lipid nanoparticles.”
A smart move to Milton Park
With technical advancements bringing about company growth, Milton Park provided an ideal place to locate NeoVac’s headquarters.
Dr Eilat explained: “One of the great advantages of Milton Park for fast-growing companies like ours, is that we have an increased need for space, with more labs required and people joining us every month.
“Benefitting from its close proximity to Oxford, Milton Park gives us a platform to collaborate with leading life science companies and gain access to world-class talent and universities.
“We’re looking forward to exploring opportunities with Milton Park’s life science community now that we’re settling into our new HQ.”
Prof Peer added: “Milton Park provides a very nice setting, both for lab and office space.
“Its location is very important as we’re able to collaborate within an ecosystem, with wonderful opportunities for expansion. I think it was a very smart move on our company’s part to choose Milton Park as our HQ.”
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