ALTEVAX was founded in 2016 by Professor Antoine Carpentier, neuro-oncologist and Head of the Neurology Department at Saint-Louis Hospital in Paris (AP-HP). His research on biological nanoparticles and melanin’s potential as adjuvant for vaccines resulted in a patented antigen-melanin platform technology.

Since 2016, the research team at ALTEVAX has demonstrated melanin’s ability to shield antigens from degradation and transport them to the lymph nodes, where they induce a robust and specific immune response involving CD4 and CD8. ALTEVAX technology is protected by two families of general patents and can be used in a wide range of new vaccines depending on the antigens selected.

ALTEVAX lead product, a therapeutic vaccine against Glioblastoma, based on the tumor-associated antigen TERT (from the telomerase complex), has completed the final stage of preclinical development, and will enter a Phase 1/2a clinical trial in newly diagnosed glioblastoma in Q3 2024.

ALTEVAX technology, peptide-based vaccines using melanin as adjuvant triggers a specific immune response, involving CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes, against self-antigens that is more effective and faster than current vaccine technology using emulsions, RNA (primarily producing antibodies and few CD8+), or DNA as messenger vectors. Laboratory experiments confirmed its superior efficacy.

Melanin induces an immune reaction similar to the reaction by the human body when defending against pathogenic aggressions. It is a natural, non-toxic product and offers an excellent benefit-to-risk ratio.

ALTEVAX mastered the production process for synthetic melanin and its combination with peptides. Its vaccines will be administered subcutaneously, simplifying administration, and reducing costs.

–  Therapeutic areas: Oncology, Therapeutic Vaccine, Immuno-Oncology, Immunotherapy, Adjuvant Platform, Glioblastoma

–  Based in: Paris (FRANCE)

–  Employees: 1 – 10

– Created in: 2016