Virus Like Particle (VLP) Based Vaccine Development

ARTES’ virus like particle (VLP) based vaccine development solution provides a one-of-a-kind combination of a highly efficient antigen presentation platform produced in a stable, established and low-cost manufacturing yeast system. With our basic cell line, fermentation and a virus like particle purification processes, ARTES guarantees fast track based vaccine development. The production cell line for selected targets can be established within a maximum of three months. In addition the supply of purified bulk material for pre-clinical studies can be achieved five months from project start. Artes’ process development group has a track record of successful technology transfer to cGMP manufacturing sites, ensuring a smooth scale-up procedure.

Virus like particles (VLP) have become the vehicle of choice in based vaccine development for targeting foreign epitopes to the immune system. With immunogenicity generally superior to subunit vaccines, virus like particles generate both a humoral and cellular immune answer. Their three-dimensional structure, similar to native viruses, allows for the presentation of conformational epitopes and enhances the production of neutralizing antibodies.

The small antigen of the duck HepatitisB virus (dHBsAg) self-assembles into 45 nm VLP´s providing a surface large enough for presentation of high molecular weight and multimeric antigens. This diameter is as well ideal for uptake by the denditric cells – a prerequisite for optimal stimulation of the immune system. Proof-of-concept for dHBsAg based chimeric virus like particles (VLP) has been achieved in animal studies for targets such as avian flu, HCV dimers and malaria antigens.

The Hansenula yeast platform is successfully applied for large scale, low cost production of Hepatitis B vaccines and recommended by the WHO for Hepatitis B mass vaccination. Stable integration of foreign genes and high-level production are the key success factors of this technology with production costs of approx. 0.10 USD per dose. ARTES Biotechnology offers a unique collaboration using a stable produced efficient antigen presentation platform to develop a virus like particle (VLP) based vaccine development solution.