Silvacx is an immunological platform. The base technology was developed at Merck KGaA in Darmstadt. At the Life Science Inkubator GmbH in Bonn (Germany) this technology has been further developed into a universal platform for therapeutic vaccines (SilvacxPathfinder) and immune boosters (SilvacxBooster). The former target the adaptive immune system, whilst the latter target the innate immune system. The platform is based on silica (=amorphous silicon dioxide) nanoparticles. We apply a special, proprietary surface modification to these nanoparticles in order to load them with various antigens, including those based on peptides, RNA or DNA.
The nanoparticles perform in a dual mode of action:
- They are the carrier for antigens (peptides or proteins)
- They have an intrinsic strong adjuvant effect
Innovation & Business Idea
Our mission is to deliver the power of silica nanoparticles-based immune stimulants (SilvacxBooster) and vaccines (SilvacxPathfinder) to patients. Our innovation introduces significant advantages, embodied by the power of highly immunogenic silica nanoparticles and the speed of vaccine production, taking the immunotherapeutic technologies to the next level.
Size Matters – Where Nano is Great
Virus-sized particles with a virus-like morphology enable the transport of antigens to lymph nodes via lymphatic vessels after subcutaneous administration. The target cells are immature dendritic cells residing in lymph nodes. They are specialized in the uptake of virus-sized particles. The nano size improves the cellular uptake by antigen presenting cells. Due to this targeting effect there are less systemic side effects. The particles also protect their cargo against enzymatic degradation. Nanoparticles have an own intrinsic adjuvant effect (NAMP = nanoparticle-associated molecular pattern). The nanoparticles and their cargo can pass sterile filters easily enabling a sterile filtration e.g. at the point of filling. They form a stable clear suspension without any tendency to sediment. Therefor there is no need for shaking or mixing prior administration. And it's "real nano": 1 mL contains more than 10¹⁵ particles!
Intellectual Property Status
Silvacx has an exclusive licence based on the patent application WO2010/006753 from Merck KGaA. Several already granted patents are derived from this application. Moreover, three new patent applications were filed in Spring 2020 covering SilvacxBooster and SilvacxPathfinder – our two key technologies.
Development Status & Future Steps
Various in vitro studies have shown a strong adjuvant effect generated by silica nanoparticles. When combined with a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) that binds to the surface of the nanoparticles, the result is an exceptionally potent immunostimulant: SilvacxBooster.
While SilvacxBooster strongly stimulates the innate immune system, the addition of epitopes to SilvacxBooster can also activate the adaptive immune system. We call this part of our technology platform SilvacxPathfinder.
The innate immune system can be activated very quickly, within a few hours. In contrast, the adaptive immune system usually takes several weeks to reach its full potential.