Contract No.: 2024/ABM/05/KPO/KPOD.07.07-IW.07-0269/24-00
Project value: PLN 5,533,491.42
Funding amount: PLN 4,650,365.92
Funding for Łukasiewicz – PORT: PLN 1,117,863.94
Project duration: 03/02/2025 – 31/02/2026
Project Manager: Łukasz Rąbalski (Vaxican)
R&D Project Manager: PhD Tomasz Lipiński (Łukasiewicz – PORT)
Project implemented in Consortium:
VAXiCAN Sp. z o.o. (Gdańsk) – Leader
Łukasiewicz Research Network – PORT Polish Center for Technology Development
The aim of the project is to optimize the production and purification of virus-like particles (VLPs) presenting the HER2 antigen as a candidate for a therapeutic vaccine against HER2-positive breast cancer. The project is based on an innovative platform utilizing virus-like particles derived from avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 (PPMV-1) presenting the extracellular domain of the HER2 receptor.
HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) is a key therapeutic target in breast cancer due to its overexpression in approximately 20–30% of cases. HER2-positive tumors are particularly aggressive and associated with poorer prognosis. Our innovative VLP platform has the potential to present the HER2 antigen to the immune system, leading to the activation of both cellular and humoral immunity, resulting in a more effective and safer immunotherapy compared to monoclonal antibody treatments.
Within the project, we plan to:
prepare several variants of the active molecule,
conduct studies to select the most promising variant,
scale up the production process,
develop the purification technology, and
perform partial preclinical characterization of the product.
The selected vaccine candidate will be secured for further research, including future clinical studies. The next-generation immunotherapeutic being developed will feature a set of unique properties: high antigen expression, optimal antibody generation, ease and low cost of production, low toxicity and fewer side effects, and the potential to provide long-term protection.
The project will bring significant benefits to the Polish biotechnology sector, strengthening the country’s position as a hub of innovation in the field of biomedicine. It will enhance the potential for similar projects in the future and promote the application of research results within the healthcare system.
