Humanized monoclonal antibody and subunit vaccine against measles

This technology is a humanized monoclonal antibody and an improved fusion protein-based vaccine for the prevention and treatment of measles.

Unmet Need: Measles antiviral treatment and protection in immunocompromised individuals

Despite the availability of effective vaccines, measles remains a significant global health concern, particularly in populations with inadequate vaccination coverage. Severely immunocompromised individuals are especially vulnerable because live-attenuated measles vaccines are generally contraindicated in this population. In addition, measles can cause severe complications, including central nervous (CNS) disease, and there is currently no approved specific antiviral therapy for measles. There is therefore a need for targeted antiviral treatments and alternative approaches to protect individuals who cannot safely receive existing measles vaccines.

The Technology: Neutralizing human antibody against measles and improved fusion protein vaccine

This technology is a humanized monoclonal antibody against the measles viral entry receptor which prevents viral spread. This technology can be administered either prophylactically or post-exposure to measles to reduce infection and improve health outcomes. Furthermore, this technology includes an improved measles virus fusion protein that demonstrates a functional relationship between viral fusion, its stability, and activity. This technology forms the basis of novel vaccination strategies or inhibitory molecule development.

This technology has been tested in cotton rats.

Applications:

Prophylactic treatment for measles virus
Treatment after exposure to measles virus
Research tool for studying measles virus
Vaccination strategy for preventing measles infection
Mitigating complications for immunocompromised individuals after MMR vaccination

Advantages:

Specific targeting of measles virus entry receptor
Prevents spread of measles virus
Humanized antibody has lower risk of adverse effects than chimeric or mouse-derived antibodies
Can be administered prophylactically or post-exposure to measles virus

Lead Inventor:

Anne Moscona, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent pending

Related Publications:

Zyla DS, Della Marca R, Niemeyer G, Zipursky G, Stearns K, Leedale C, Sobolik EB, Callaway HM, Hariharan C, Peng W, Parekh D. “A neutralizing antibody prevents postfusion transition of measles virus fusion protein.” Science. 2024 Jun 28; 384(6703): eadm8693.

Tech Ventures Reference:

IR CU23244, CU23245, CU24384, CU26279
Licensing Contact: Kristin Neuman