EpiVax Appoints New CTO to Propel Innovations in Immunoinformatics

EpiVax Strengthens Its Leadership in Immunoinformatics Technology

EpiVax, Inc., a recognized leader in immunological computing, has made a significant strategic move by naming Guilhem Richard as the new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Richard, who became a vital part of EpiVax's immunoinformatics team in 2014, has made substantial contributions to the field, including the development of pioneering computational platforms aimed at personalizing neoantigen-based cancer treatments through innovative solutions like Ancer®.

From 2019 to 2024, he was instrumental in translating these technologies into practical applications at EpiVax Therapeutics, a subsidiary focused on therapeutics. His extensive background includes earning a M.Eng. in Bioinformatics and Modeling from the esteemed INSA of Lyon, France, and a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics from Boston University. With Richard at the helm, EpiVax is poised to lead ongoing innovation in immunoinformatics, developing new computational tools for assessing immunogenicity, which is crucial for therapeutic development.

Technological Advancements Under Richard's Leadership

The timing of Dr. Richard's promotion coincides with significant advancements at EpiVax. The company is enhancing its core assets and services by leveraging advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilties. One of the central pieces of technology is the ISPRI (Immunogenicity Risk Prediction Initiative) platform, which recently underwent major updates. These enhancements have bolstered the platform's immunogenicity risk assessment capabilities, crucial for biologics and therapeutic developments.

Researchers at EpiVax have achieved a remarkable 50% improvement in the precision and recall of their JanusMatrix model, allowing for more accurate predictions of tolerated epitopes. Furthermore, the introduction of new immunogenicity models has vastly improved the correlation rate of predicted to observed values, raising it six-fold regarding monoclonal therapeutics. Notably, the occurrence of false negatives – where predicted immunogenicity is low while actual immunity is high – has been reduced by 85%, giving researchers greater confidence in their assessments.

These innovative tools will soon be available on EpiVax's ISPRI platform, provided on a Software as a Service (SaaS) basis or through fee-for-service arrangements. This development promises to refine a key assessment stage crucial to the drug development process for EpiVax's biotech and pharmaceutical partners.

FDA Model Master File Submission and Future Goals

In addition to the advancements in computational tools, EpiVax has recently filed a new Model Master File (MMF) for its PANDA® In Silico Model with the FDA. This filing supports regulatory applications for Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDA) concerning generics of peptide drugs. The PANDA® MMF details methodologies and models used to evaluate the immunogenicity of peptide drugs and their impurities, now enabling sponsors to reference this as a Drug Master File (DMF) in their ANDA submissions. The accessibility of this resource simplifies the regulatory process, allowing EpiVax to streamline the preparation and review of regulatory submissions by providing FDA reviewers with comprehensive background information.

EpiVax remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation in immunoinformatics. Plans include enhancements to the ISPRI platform with a new version of EpiMatrix® that will offer advanced predictive capabilities. Additionally, an improved user interface and guided analysis features will ensure a more intuitive experience for users, empowering them to support the development of their therapeutic pipelines effectively.

About EpiVax

Founded with a mission to excel in preclinical immunogenicity assessments and sequence optimization, EpiVax specializes in peptide therapeutics, biologics, and vaccines. By collaborating with a wide array of global partners, including companies and academic institutions, EpiVax accelerates immunogenicity risk assessments and fosters rapid vaccine development, reinforcing its position at the forefront of the biopharmaceutical landscape.

For more inquiries and detailed information on EpiVax's expansion plans and technological innovations, interested parties can contact Sarah Moniz, the Director of Business Development at EpiVax.