VacciZone

VacciZone is a biotechnology company that has developed and patented a novel method for delivering antigens and bioactive compounds, aimed at increasing the stability and shelf life of complex biotherapeutics such as vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and cell and gene therapies. The company's proprietary technology, called ASC (Antigen Presenting Cells), utilizes protein microparticles to carry antigens, forming a fusion with human ASC protein.

In the case of VacciZone's Covid-19 vaccine candidate, the ASC protein microparticles carry the tRBD domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The company claims that this technology enhances the antigenicity and stability of the Covid-19 antigen, allowing it to remain stable at high temperatures, during freeze-thaw cycles, and in the presence of organic solvents. Consequently, vaccines and immune therapies developed using the ASC technology are thermostable and eliminate the need for cold-chain logistics for delivery and storage.

The ASC technology was invented by Prof. Nesrin Özören from Boğaziçi University, who has secured multiple awards, grants, and projects during her 15 years of leading an independent laboratory. Prof. Özören is the current president of the Turkish Molecular Biology Association.

In July 2022, VacciZone partnered with Exothera, a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), to support the process development of its Covid-19 vaccine candidate. The collaboration covered proof-of-concept at a small scale to drug substance and drug product manufacturing, including downstream process development, analytical toolkit assays set-up, quality control validation, and chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) support.