Workflow
OPKO Health’s ModeX Therapeutics Announces Epstein-Barr Virus Vaccine Candidate Enters Phase I Clinical Study in Collaboration with Merck

Core Insights - ModeX Therapeutics Inc., a subsidiary of OPKO Health, has initiated a Phase I clinical trial for an Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) vaccine candidate, MDX2201, in collaboration with Merck, which has triggered a cash milestone payment from Merck to ModeX [1][2][4]. Company Overview - ModeX Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative multispecific biologics for cancer and infectious diseases, utilizing a unique technology platform [7]. - OPKO Health is a multinational biopharmaceutical and diagnostics company aiming to establish leading positions in rapidly growing markets through its discovery and development capabilities [8][9]. Vaccine Development - The investigational vaccine, MDX2201, is based on a ferritin nanoparticle platform that can express multiple copies of recombinant antigens to enhance immune response against EBV [5]. - The vaccine targets four viral proteins involved in EBV entry into host cells, aiming to stimulate protective immunity and prevent diseases associated with EBV [5][6]. Clinical Trial Details - The Phase I study will evaluate the safety and tolerability of MDX2201 in up to 200 healthy adults [3]. - The vaccine aims to address the lack of FDA-approved vaccines or treatments for EBV, which is linked to infectious mononucleosis and various cancers [6][8].