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EBViously, a spin-off of Helmholtz Munich, officially started operations on 11 November 2024. The company is developing a preventive vaccine against diseases caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The aim is to protect people from a range of serious diseases such as infectious mononucleosis, secondary diseases such as multiple sclerosis and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and certain types of cancer.
EBViously is based on a research project supported by Helmholtz Munich and the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF). The vaccine was developed by leading scientists in the field of Epstein-Barr virus research and the aim is now for the company to carry out professional product development.
Innovative vaccine based on virus-like particles
EBViously's first vaccine candidate utilises virus-like particles (VLPs) that are structurally derived from EBV. These are similar to the Epstein-Barr virus, but do not contain viral genetic material and are therefore not infectious. With the authentic structure of the virus, these VLPs “feign” an infection to the immune system and thus trigger a targeted immune response against EBV. Preclinical studies and animal models have impressively confirmed these properties.
Prof. Wolfgang Hammerschmidt of Helmholtz Munich and the DZIF explains: “The Epstein-Barr virus is extremely complex. Our approach is designed to pull the virus’ teeth without altering its protein combinations, ensuring a targeted immune response. This vaccine offers the potential to protect millions of people from the serious consequences of EBV infection.”
Wide range of applications for the vaccine
The Epstein-Barr virus, which belongs to the herpes virus family, is one of the most common viruses in humans worldwide. It is estimated that around 90 per cent of the world's population is infected with the virus. An infection in early childhood is usually asymptomatic. However, if it occurs later in life, it can cause infectious mononucleosis and secondary diseases such as ME/CFS. In addition, EBV is associated with around 200,000 cases of cancer worldwide each year, including various types of lymphoma. Recent research shows that EBV is also the most important risk factor for multiple sclerosis, a chronic autoimmune disease of the nervous system. The EBV vaccine is intended to prevent infectious mononucleosis and thus also protect against severe and long-lasting secondary diseases such as ME/CFS. It also has the potential to protect against certain EBV-associated cancers and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease, which can occur after transplantation. In particular, the team hopes that the vaccine will also reduce the risk of developing multiple sclerosis.
Rapid implementation in clinical trials planned
EBViously has received around 12 million euros in funding to date, including from the Helmholtz Validation Fund and the DZIF. Partners include the Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich and the TUM University Hospital. The vaccine is developed and manufactured in accordance with the strict requirements of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). The founding members of EBViously are currently looking for further investors to ensure that the vaccine candidate is financed and tested in clinical trials as quickly as possible.
“The founding of EBViously is an important step towards accelerating the further development of the vaccine candidate EBV-001 in clinical trials,” says Dr Sebastian Goy, CEO of EBViously and project manager in the “Product Development” infrastructure at the DZIF. “We have high hopes that the vaccine candidate will protect millions of people worldwide from serious diseases associated with the Epstein-Barr virus in the future.”
Dr Sebastian Goy
CEO EBViously
info@ebviously.com
Prof. Dr Wolfgang Hammerschmidt
Helmholtz Munich - German Research Center for Environmental Health
hammerschmidt@helmholtz-muenchen.de
https://www.dzif.de/en/start-ebviously-founded Press release of the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF)
Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV; virus particles coloured green in the background image) ...
CDC/Dr. Paul M Feorino/EBViously/DZIF
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