Category Archives: Immunology

Immunology

Aptevo Therapeutics Announces Preclinical Data for Bispecific Antibody APVO603 at the Society for Immunol – Benzinga

Preclinical data demonstrates inhibited tumor cell growth in vitro when paired with a T-cell engager bispecific

SEATTLE, WA / ACCESSWIRE / November 11, 2021 / Aptevo Therapeutics Inc. ("Aptevo" or the "Company") (NASDAQ:APVO), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel immuno-oncology therapeutics based on its proprietary ADAPTIR and ADAPTIR-FLEX platform technologies, today announced the presentation of preclinical data for APVO603, the Company's bispecific antibody targeting 4-1BB (CD137) and OX40 (CD134), at the Society for Immunology in Cancers (SITC) 2021 Annual Meeting.

Poster #795 entitled, "APVO603: A dual 4-1BB and OX40 bispecific approach utilizing ADAPTIR technology designed to deliver a conditional T cell/NK response against solid tumors," will be presented and displayed on-site on Saturday, November 13th in Washington, D.C. Data in the poster showed that APVO603 enhanced dose-dependent control of in vitro tumor cell lysis when paired with a bispecific T-cell engager when compared either alone. Of note, investigators show that APVO603 has minimal impact on regulatory T cell suppression of CD8+ T cells' proliferation in vitro.

"APVO603 is a differentiated bispecific antibody with the potential to leverage the benefits of 4-1BB and OX40 in a single agent. Further, the tethering of molecules has the potential to reduce safety risks and improve potency profiles by targeting responses specifically to sites of active inflammation and limiting on-target toxicity," said Hilario Ramos, Senior Director of Immunobiology at Aptevo. "In addition, the data presented here demonstrate that this combination has the potential to promote anti-tumor responses two-fold. First, by improving the fitness of exhausted effector CD8+ T cells. Second, by reducing the potential for activation of suppressive responses by T regulatory subsets. This dual biological mechanism of action offers the potential for development of a compound that acts against both solid and hematologic tumors and in the presence of addition immunomodulatory treatments or modalities such as CAR T or adoptive immune cell therapies."

Aptevo CEO Marvin White commented, "We are very encouraged by the results reported in this poster, and we are excited to continue to develop APVO603 and provide this update on our progress as we work to advance the compound."

Title: APVO603: A dual 4-1BB and OX40 bispecific approach utilizing ADAPTIRTM technology designed to deliver a conditional T cell/NK response against solid tumors Presenter: Hilario Ramos, Senior Director of Immunobiology at AptevoDate/Time: Saturday, November 13, 2021

About APVO603

APVO603 is a dual agonist bispecific antibody employing a novel mechanism of action to simultaneously target 4-1BB (CD137) and OX40 (CD134), both members of the TNF Receptor Superfamily. Dual targeting of 4-1BB and OX40 provides synergistic co-stimulation of T cells with the potential to amplify the cytotoxic function of activated T cells and NK cells, potentially leading to more robust anti-tumor responses.

About Aptevo Therapeutics

Aptevo Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel bispecific immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer. Aptevo is seeking to improve treatment outcomes and transform the lives of cancer patients. For more information, please visit http://www.aptevotherapeutics.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, Aptevo's expectations about the activity, efficacy and safety of its therapeutic candidates and potential use of any such candidates as therapeutics for treatment of disease, advancement of its clinical trials and its expectations regarding the effectiveness of its ADAPTIR and ADAPTIR-FLEX platforms, and any other statements containing the words "may," "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "hopes," "intends," "optimism," "potential," "designed," "engineered," "breakthrough," "innovative," "innovation," "promising," "plans," "forecasts," "estimates," "will" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Aptevo's current intentions, beliefs, and expectations regarding future events. Aptevo cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be accurate. Investors should realize that if underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could differ materially from Aptevo's expectations. Investors are, therefore, cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement.

There are several important factors that could cause Aptevo's actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including a deterioration in Aptevo's business or prospects; adverse developments in clinical development, including unexpected safety issues observed during a clinical trial; adverse developments in the U.S. or global capital markets, credit markets or economies generally; and changes in regulatory, social, and political conditions. For instance, actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including the uncertainties inherent in the initiation, enrollment and maintenance of patients, and completion of clinical trials, availability and timing of data from ongoing clinical trials, expectations for the timing and steps required in the regulatory review process, including our ability to obtain regulatory clearance to commence clinical trials, expectations for regulatory approvals, the impact of competitive products, actions of activist stockholders, our ability to enter into agreements with strategic partners and other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of the Company's product candidates, business or economic disruptions due to catastrophes or other events, including natural disasters or public health crises such as the novel coronavirus (referred to as COVID-19). These risks are not exhaustive, Aptevo faces known and unknown risks. Additional risks and factors that may affect results are set forth in Aptevo's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, and its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. The foregoing sets forth many, but not all, of the factors that could cause actual results to differ from Aptevo's expectations in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and, except as required by law, Aptevo does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect new information, events, or circumstances.

CONTACTS:

InvestorsMiriam Weber MillerAptevo TherapeuticsEmail: IR@apvo.com or Millerm@apvo.comPhone: 206-859-6629

MediaJules AbrahamJQA PartnersEmail: jabraham@jqapartners.comPhone: 917-884-7378

SOURCE: Aptevo Therapeutics

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Aptevo Therapeutics Announces Preclinical Data for Bispecific Antibody APVO603 at the Society for Immunol - Benzinga

Immunology

Scipher Medicine to Present at the Jeffries London Healthcare Conference – Business Wire

WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Scipher Medicine, a precision immunology company matching patients with their most effective therapies, today announced that Alif Saleh, Chief Executive Officer, and John Strumbos, Chief Financial Officer, will participate in the Jeffries London Healthcare Conference, November 16-19.

Scipher Medicine will present from London at 10 a.m. GMT on Tuesday, November 16, and management will be available for in-person and virtual investor meetings during the conference. A live webcast of the conference presentation will be available here.

About Scipher Medicine

Scipher Medicine, a precision immunology company matching patients with their most effective therapies, believes that patients deserve simple answers to treatment options based on scientifically backed data. Using spectra, our proprietary network medicine platform, and artificial intelligence, we commercialize blood tests revealing a persons unique molecular disease signature and match it to the most effective therapy, ensuring optimal treatment from day one. The patient molecular data generated from our tests further supports the discovery and development of novel and more effective therapeutics. We partner with leading payers, providers, and pharmaceutical companies to bring precision medicine to autoimmune diseases. Visit http://www.sciphermedicine.com and follow Scipher Medicine on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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Scipher Medicine to Present at the Jeffries London Healthcare Conference - Business Wire

Immunology

New Study Finds Evidence of COVID Antibodies in Breast Milk of Vaccinated Mothers – URMC

Immunity from both prior infection and vaccination produces antibody response in breast milk

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics co-authored by researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center and New York University has found evidence that mothers with two types of immunity from COVID disease-acquired (those who have contracted COVID and recovered) and mRNA vaccination-acquired produced breast milk with active SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.

The study, titled Comparison of human milk antibody induction, persistence, and neutralizing capacity in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection versus mRNA vaccination was funded by The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) with in-kind support from Medela LLC. Samples were collected from 77 mothers - 47 in the infected group, 30 in the vaccine group to determine the level of antibodies in breast milk over time. Mothers who had disease-acquired immunity produced high levels of Immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies against the virus in breast milk, while vaccine-acquired immunity produced robust Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies.

Samples of breast milk were infected with live SARS-CoV-2 virus, and both types of antibodies provided neutralization against SARS-CoV-2, the first time such evidence has been discovered for IgA and IgG antibodies, according to study co-author Bridget Young, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at URMC.

Its one thing to measure antibody concentrations, but its another to say that antibodies are functional and can neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 virus, said Young, One of the exciting findings in this work is that breast milk from both mothers with COVID-19 infection, and from mothers receiving mRNA vaccination contained these active antibodies that were able to neutralize the virus.

Previous studies from URMC had shown evidence of antibodies in breast milk from COVID positive mothers. This follow-up study represents the longest time period that disease-acquired antibodies have been examined post-illness, and the results showed that these antibodies exist for three months after infection.

For vaccinated mothers, the study found evidence of a mild-to-modest decline in antibodies on average - three months post-vaccination.

The trend in breast milk antibodies aligns with what we see in vaccination sera, said study co-author Kirsi Jarvinen-Seppo, PhD, M.D., Chief of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at URMC, after a few months, the antibodies trend downward, but the levels are still significantly above what they were pre-vaccine.

Both Young and Jarvinen-Seppo emphasize, however, that while the antibody response exists, its not yet shown whether these breast milk antibodies can provide protection against COVID for nursing children.

The study does not imply that children would be protected from illness, said Jarvinen-Seppo, and breast milk antibodies may not be a substitute for vaccination for infants and children, once approved.

For the next phase of the study, URMC researchers are looking to find evidence whether both vaccination and illness-acquired immunity provide antibodies against other seasonal coronaviruses.

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New Study Finds Evidence of COVID Antibodies in Breast Milk of Vaccinated Mothers - URMC

Immunology

Allergic Reactions to COVID Vaccines Rare and Do Not Preclude Immunization – Benzinga – Benzinga

AAAAI reinforces adverse allergic reaction to the vaccines is rare and mild when it does occur and should not deter individuals from being vaccinated.

MILWAUKEE (PRWEB) November 08, 2021

While individuals with a history of severe allergy are at higher risk for a reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine, those reactions are rare and should not preclude someone from getting vaccinated, recent studies show.

"The rate of anaphylaxis after the vaccine remains low and is readily treatable. The reactions that do occur, are mild, uncommon and do not interfere with receiving the vaccine," said Paul Williams, MD, FAAAAI, Emeritus Director with the Northwest Asthma and Allergy Center and Chair of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) COVID-19 Response Task Force. "People with a confirmed history of an allergy to a component of one vaccine can receive another vaccine that does not contain that component."

Allergists are specifically trained to help people answer questions about vaccine safety and suggest approaches to vaccination that would be the safest for patients.

To speak with Dr. Williams or another allergy expert, please contact: media@aaaai.org.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology also has a wealth of resources available on its COVID-19 Resources page.

Recent research on allergy and the COVID-19 vaccines:

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic and immunologic diseases. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has more than 7,100 members in the United States, Canada and 72 other countries. The AAAAI's Find an Allergist/Immunologist service is a trusted resource to help you find a specialist close to home.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: https://www.prweb.com/releases/allergic_reactions_to_covid_vaccines_rare_and_do_not_preclude_immunization/prweb18319898.htm

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Allergic Reactions to COVID Vaccines Rare and Do Not Preclude Immunization - Benzinga - Benzinga

Immunology

Study offers insights on why the elderly are more susceptible to COVID-19 – Brown University

PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] Among the populations most significantly affected by COVID-19 are the elderly and patients with preexisting medical conditions including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and chronic lung diseases like COPD and asthma.

In a new study published in the journal JCI Insight, Brown University researchers describe the cellular and molecular events that explain why these groups have a higher risk of infection as well as of severe side effects and death.

This paper details a major discovery in COVID-19, said corresponding author Dr. Jack A. Elias, an immunologist and dean of medicine and biological sciences at Brown. It shows that levels of a protein called chitinase 3-like-1 increase with age as well as co-morbid diseases and infection. Whats more, chitinase 3-like-1 augments SARS CoV-2 infection.

The findings not only answer important questions about key mechanisms of the complex SARS-CoV-2 virus, Elias said, but also have direct implications for the development of therapeutics to control the viral infection.

Elias is part of a National Institutes of Health-funded laboratory that focuses on the cell and molecular biology of lung injury and repair. Researchers in the lab, including lead study author Suchitra Kamle and co-author Chun Geun Lee, have recently focused on the biology of enzymes and enzyme-like molecules, called chitinases and chitinase-like proteins, respectively. Of particular interest is a chitinase-like protein referred to as chitinase 3-like-1, a molecule naturally found in blood.

Weve been studying this gene family here at Brown for a while and we know that it has a large number of biologic effects, as well as tremendously important roles in both health and diseases, said Lee, a professor (research) of molecular microbiology and immunology.

Chitinase 3-like-1 is the cornerstone of a critical pathway that is activated during injury and inflammation. These researchers and others have shown that circulating levels of chitinase 3-like-1 increase during infection, especially in diseases characterized by inflammation and tissue alterations like emphysema, asthma and COPD, some the same co-morbid diseases that are risk factors for COVID-19.

Interestingly, Lee said, levels of chitinase 3-like-1 have also been shown to increase during normal aging. In fact, they have been reported to be the best predictor of all-cause mortality in people in their 80s.

The researchers thought they might be able to take some of the work theyve already done with this gene family and apply it to COVID-19, Elias said. They decided to examine the relationship between chitinase 3-like-1 and the receptor ACE2, the spike protein to which the SARS-CoV-2 binds to enter human cells.

In a series of studies, the researchers compared the effects of chitinase 3-like-1 on ACE2 as well as on other protease enzymes that metabolize the spike protein and contribute to infection. They examined these interactions in the lungs of mice that were genetically modified to have exaggerated levels of chitinase 3-like-1 as well as mice deficient in chitinase 3-like-1. In the lab, Kamle led experiments that examined the effects of chitinase 3-like-1 on human lung epithelial cells.

The researchers found that levels of chitinase 3-like-1 increased with age, co-morbid diseases and infection. In addition, they noted that chitinase 3-like-1 was a potent stimulator of the receptor that SARS-CoV-2 uses to infect cells.

Spurred by this discovery, the researchers developed a humanized monoclonal antibody called FRG that attacks a particular region of chitinase 3-like-1 a step that turned out to be critical. They found that this therapeutic antibody, as well as another small molecule, powerfully blocked the induction of the ACE2 receptor.

So in that way, the virus cannot enter into the host system, said Kamle, a Brown investigator in molecular microbiology and immunology as well as antibody engineering. This means there will be less infection in the presence of this therapeutic FRG antibody.

These findings could pave the way for the development of therapeutics to protect people from infection, Elias said.

You can imagine a scenario in which someone who has been exposed to a person who has the virus is given the antibody, which then acts like a prophylactic to prevent infection or make the symptoms that the infection induces milder, he said.

Elias described another potential scenario in which the person who has the virus is given the antibody or the small molecule, which halts the infection and effectively cures the illness.

We show in this paper that if we make antibodies or other small molecules that can inhibit chitinase 3-like-1, they can be therapeutics to control viral infection, Elias said.

The team is currently looking at how these antibodies and small molecules react with different variants of the SARS CoV-2 virus, including the infectious delta variant that has recently changed the course of the pandemic.

In addition to Elias, Kamle and Lee, other Brown faculty who contributed to this research included Bing Ma, Chuan Hua He, Bedia Akosman, Yang Zhou, Chang Min Lee, Wafik S. El-Deiry, Kelsey Huntington and Olin Liang.

This work was supported by COVID-19 Research Seed Grant from Brown University, as well as by National Institute of Health grants U01 HL108638, PO1 HL114501,R01 HL115813 and RO1 AG053495, as well as grant USAMRMCW81XWH-17-1-0196 from the U.S. Department of Defense.

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Study offers insights on why the elderly are more susceptible to COVID-19 - Brown University

Immunology

Creative Medical Technology Holdings Announces Implementation of Reverse Stock Split in Preparation for Planned Uplisting to The Nasdaq Capital Market…

PHOENIX, Nov. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --(OTC-CELZ)Creative Medical Technology Holdings, Inc. (the "Company"), a commercial stage biotechnology company focused on immunology, urology, neurology and orthopedics using adult stem cell treatments and interrelated regenerative technologies for the treatment of multiple indications, today announced its intention to effect a 1-for-500 reverse split of its common stock in preparation for a planned listing of the Company's securities on The Nasdaq Capital Market ("Nasdaq"). The reverse stock split will become effective at the open of business on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, and the Company's common stock will begin trading on the OTC Markets system on a split-adjusted basis under the temporary ticker symbol "CELZD" at that time. The fifth character "D" will remain appended to the Company's symbol for 20 business days or until the Company is listed on Nasdaq, whichever comes first, at which point the Company's trading symbol will revert back to "CELZ." The new CUSIP number for the Company's common stock is 22529Y 309.

The Company has filed an application to list its common stock and warrants on Nasdaq. The reverse stock split is intended to enable the Company to meet the stock price requirement for initial listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market.

"Our plan to list on the Nasdaq Capital Market is an important step forward for the Company. We believe that a listing on Nasdaq will raise our profile to the broader investment community, and ultimately create shareholder value," stated Timothy Warbington, Chief Executive Officer.

Upon effectiveness of the reverse stock split, every 500 shares of the Company's common stock outstanding will be converted into one share of common stock, with any fractional shares rounded up to one whole share. Accordingly, the number of shares of common stock outstanding following the reverse stock split will be reduced from 1,226,141,742 shares to 2,452,348 shares. The reverse split will uniformly impact all stockholders, as it will not alter any stockholder's percentage equity interest in the Company, and not result in any dilution, except to the extent that the reverse split results in a stockholder owning a fractional share.

About Creative Medical Technology Holdings

Creative Medical Technology Holdings, Inc. is a commercial stage biotechnology company specializing in regenerative medicine/stem cell technology in the fields of immunotherapy, urology, neurology and orthopedics and is currently listed on the OTC under the ticker symbol CELZ. For further information about the company go to http://www.creativemedicaltechnology.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" about the company's current expectations about future results, performance, prospects and opportunities. Statements that are not historical facts, such as "anticipates," "believes" and "expects" or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results in future periods to differ materially from what is expressed in, or implied by, these statements. The factors which may influence the company's future performance include the company's ability to obtain additional capital to expand operations as planned, success in attracting additional customers, obtaining necessary regulatory approvals, enrollment of adequate numbers of patients in clinical trials, and unforeseen difficulties in showing efficacy of the company's products. These and other risk factors are described from time to time in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the company's reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q. Unless required by law, the company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events.

http://www.creativemedicaltechnology.comwww.CaverStem.comwww.FemCelz.comwww.StemSpine.comwww.immcelz.com

SOURCE Creative Medical Technology Holdings, Inc.

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Immunology

Federal funding to aid expansion of Hamilton-based lab studying vaccine-related blood clots – Global News

A McMaster University laboratory combating vaccine-related blood clots is getting a boost from the federal government to expand its testing centre.

The $1.5-million grant from the Public Health Agency of Canada earmarked for McMasters Platelet Immunology Laboratory (MPIL) will aid studies on vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia(VITT), identified in a small number ofCOVID-19vaccine recipients.

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The affliction came to the forefront amid the pandemic when VITT was associated with some 30 patients and five deaths in Canada but not definitively linked to the viral vector shots from Oxford-AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.

According to the Ontario Science Table, a VITT case usually presents itself between four and 28 days after vaccination.

Hamilton-based researchers have been collecting blood samples from VITT patients for diagnostic testing with the emergence of the problem in the hopes of devising treatments based on the previous study of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) a disorder tied to the clumping of platelets in the blood causing clots.

This expansion of world-class rapid laboratory testing here in Canada for suspected Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT) cases will provide expertise to our international partners, and support Canadas robust vaccine safety surveillance systems, federal Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos said in a statement.

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Ishac Nazy, scientific director of the lab and associate professor of medicine, says the research will also support foreign labs not equipped to diagnose and treat VITT.

This lab is uniquely positioned as a true translational medical facility; we research disease mechanisms using patient blood samples. This allows us to devise diagnostic testing and new therapies that have already saved patients lives, Nazy said in a release.

Canada has had few new cases of VITT since late May after several provinces, including Ontario, decreased usage of the vaccine.

However, co-medical director of the lab Donald Arnold said the MPIL has been handling patient blood samples from abroad, most recently Brazil.

We are well-positioned as a national repository of data and the reference laboratory, to serve both our country and the world in surveillance, diagnosis and treatment of VITT, Arnold said

Clinicians are still on high alert for clotting caused by adenovirus-vector vaccines.

2021 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

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Federal funding to aid expansion of Hamilton-based lab studying vaccine-related blood clots - Global News

Immunology

Online Originals: ECU researchers discover new way to detect coronavirus through building ventilation systems – phl17.com

by: ECU News Services, Emily Cervarich

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) Researchers at East Carolina Universitys Brody School of Medicine have found a new way to detect the virus that causes COVID-19 by testing the air passing through building ventilation systems.

The study could lead to earlier detection of the virus, improved quarantine protocols, reduced transmission and fewer outbreaks.

Two people spearheaded the effort. Dr. Sinan Sousan is an assistant professor in Brodys Department of Public Health and Research Faculty at North Carolina Agromedicine Institute who is also an expert of environmental and occupational airborne exposure. Dr. Rachel Roper is a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology with an extensive background studying coronaviruses. Together, they have been working to learn whether SARS-CoV-2 could be detected through the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in student dorms.

The team collected a total of 248 air samples from two large student dormitories as well as an isolation suite housing COVID-positive students during the 2021 spring semester.

Roper and Sousan recently published their findings in The American Journal of Infection Control, representing a possible quantum leap when it comes to early detection of COVID-19 before an individual even tests positive.

The challenge was to collect enough virus and have it concentrated enough. And also to keep it intact until we got it into the lab because we couldnt detect the RNA if it was already degraded and then we had to extract it enough in a compatible way so it would work in the PCR. So we were really excited we were able to get it to work, Roper said.

The professors told 9OYS there is still further research to be done to better utilize this study on larger scales. They believe their findings could be used in hotels, prisons, dorms and other larger buildings for surveillance to test for COVID and other air spread viruses.

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Online Originals: ECU researchers discover new way to detect coronavirus through building ventilation systems - phl17.com

Immunology

MEDIA ALERT: Codex DNA Customer to Highlight Advantages of Automated BioXp System in Precision Cancer Immunotherapy Applications at 13th Annual PEGS…

Dr. Stephen Schoenberger of La Jolla Institute for Immunology to present data validating a novel, synthetic biology-based neoantigen platform and ability to identify immunogenic cancer mutations and TCRs

San Diego, CA, Nov. 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Codex DNA, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNAY), a pioneer in automated benchtop synthetic biology systems, today announced that one of its customers will be presenting data at the upcoming PEGS Europe Protein and Antibody Engineering Summit. During the conference, Codex DNA will be showcasing its award-winning BioXp system and a complete line of synthetic biology products at booth #506.

Biologics-based discovery of novel therapeutics is one of the most important areas of research for improving medical advances through the engineering of antibodies or other proteins for cancer treatment, infectious diseases, and inflammatory or autoimmune disorders. However, the process for developing effective monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, single-domain antibody variants, chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR Ts), and T cell receptors (TCRs) can be challenging. This is further compounded by the long lead times associated with sourcing synthetic DNA products that are necessary for screening, identification, and optimization of these novel protein or antibody candidates. The Codex DNA BioXp system is the only push-button, fully automated platform for on-demand synthesis of custom DNA libraries, gene fragments, clones, and mRNA. The system enables researchers to eliminate several manual processes from the traditional workflow and accelerate the identification and generation of validated lead candidates.

WHO: Stephen Schoenberger, Ph.D.Professor, Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology

Dr. Schoenberger is a translational immunologist who guides an integrated research consortium involving research scientists, physicians, and bioinformaticians working to identify neoantigens through a novel functional strategy based on validation rather than prediction. He is a recipient of Scholar Awards from both The American Cancer Society and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Dr. Schoenberger received his PhD in microbiology and molecular genetics from the University of California, Los Angeles, and completed postdoctoral training in immunohematology and tumor immunology at the University of Leiden in The Netherlands.

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WHAT: Leveraging the Power of Synthetic Biology in NeoAg Identification

Dr. Schoenberger will present his novel neoantigen identification approach that is being used to identify immunogenic cancer mutations and the TCRs that recognize them. The IPV (Identify-Prioritize-Validate) platform combines HLA-agnostic bioinformatic filtering of matched tumor/normal sequence data with functional analysis of autologous lymphocytes to enable functional validation of neoantigens (NeoAg) and specific TCRs with significantly higher efficiency than previous, purely predictive approaches using routinely available clinical samples.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at 9:30 am CEST

WHERE: Hotel Arts Barcelona Ritz Carlton, Barcelona, Spain

Scientists involved in biologics discovery and antibody and protein engineering often need to custom-build libraries or synthesize numerous clones to screen new variants, but traditional methods are costly and have extremely long lead times, said Todd R. Nelson, PhD, CEO of Codex DNA. With the ability to generate up to 32 libraries, gene fragments, or clones in less than 24 hours, our benchtop BioXp system streamlines the antibody production process, allowing researchers to significantly increase the quantity and quality of suitable candidates to advance into downstream applications in their own laboratory.

Both Dr. Schoenberger and Dr. Nelson are available for media interviews during the conference. Please contact EMAIL if you are interested in scheduling a private briefing.

About Codex DNA

Codex DNA is empowering scientists with the ability to create novel, synthetic biology-enabled solutions for many of humanitys greatest challenges. As inventors of the industry-standard Gibson Assembly method and the first commercial automated benchtop DNA and mRNA synthesis system, Codex DNA is enabling rapid, accurate, and reproducible writing of DNA and mRNA for numerous downstream markets. The companys award-winning BioXp system consolidates, automates, and optimizes the entire synthesis, cloning, and amplification workflow. As a result, it delivers a virtually error-free synthesis of DNA/RNA at scale within days and hours instead of weeks or months. Scientists around the world are using the technology in their own laboratories to accelerate the design-build-test paradigm for a novel, high-value products for precision medicine, biologics drug discovery, vaccine and therapeutic development, genome editing, and cell and gene therapy. Codex DNA is a public company based in San Diego. For more information, visit codexdna.com.

Codex DNA, the Codex DNA logo, Gibson Assembly, and BioXp are trademarks of Codex DNA Inc.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Such forward-looking statements are based on Codex DNAs beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to it on the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Codex DNAs actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks are described more fully in Codex DNAs filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other documents that Codex DNA subsequently files with the SEC from time to time. Except to the extent required by law, Codex DNA undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

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MEDIA ALERT: Codex DNA Customer to Highlight Advantages of Automated BioXp System in Precision Cancer Immunotherapy Applications at 13th Annual PEGS...