EpiVax Unveils Advanced AI Models for Improved Immunogenicity Prediction

EpiVax's Groundbreaking AI Enhancements in Immunogenicity Prediction

EpiVax, Inc., a leader in computational immunology, has recently rolled out significant upgrades to its proprietary platform, ISPRI™, aiming to improve how biotherapeutics' immunogenicity risk is assessed. This update includes revamped features such as the JanusMatrix™ model and the novel JanusMatrix-Adjusted EpiMatrix (JAX) score, which are set to streamline the evaluation processes for drug developers.

The historical context of EpiVax highlights its role in advancing the use of in silico algorithms for the evaluation of biotherapeutics over the last few decades. Programs like EpiMatrix® and JanusMatrix™ have been instrumental for the company, helping assess T-cell epitope content and identify human cross-conservation, pivotal in characterizing the risk of immunogenicity related to biotherapeutic sequences.

Enhanced JanusMatrix™ Model

The latest version of the JanusMatrix™, now at 2.1, integrates Artificial Intelligence to boost its predictions related to immune tolerance. This enhancement involves a sophisticated weighting system that takes into consideration the expression and prevalence data of human epitopes, leading to a more detailed characterization of therapeutic epitopes alongside their tolerance profiles. This shift towards AI-driven methodology reflects EpiVax’s commitment to harnessing modern technology to fine-tune its predictive capabilities.

Introduction of JAX Score

The new JAX score represents a major leap forward in immunogenicity assessment. By merging the insights derived from JanusMatrix with EpiMatrix scores, the JAX score aims to provide a more accurate prediction aligned with clinical outcomes of immunogenicity. Such a score factors in the immune tolerance potential gleaned from JanusMatrix, delivering a more biologically relevant assessment that encompasses intrinsic effector epitope density.

Updated ADA Prediction Model

EpiVax has bolstered its anti-drug antibody (ADA) prediction capabilities with the introduction of ADA 2.2. The enhanced ADA model synergizes epitope-based metrics with distinct biophysical characteristics and criteria pertaining to the mode of action. Leveraging data from a broad spectrum of clinical monoclonal antibodies has allowed this model to demonstrate a significant correlation between its predictions and actual clinical observations. This improvement is expected to add an extra layer of confidence for drug developers in interpreting immunogenicity risk alongside the JAX score.

Significance of the Enhancements

These enhancements to EpiVax’s immunoinformatics tools significantly elevate their ability to assess immunogenicity risk reliably. They align with recent FDA directives aimed at promoting the integration of human-relevant New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). Furthermore, they aid sponsors in recognizing immune liabilities effectively, preserving asset value, and risk mitigating throughout development programs.

About EpiVax

EpiVax collaborates with biologic developers to manage immunogenicity risks through each product lifecycle stage. By maximizing scientific expertise with leading in silico analyses and in vitro methodologies, EpiVax assists its partners in diminishing uncertainties and optimizing resource use while concurrently building strong regulatory frameworks for safer and more effective therapeutic solutions.

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