Tennessee Patent of the Month – April 2024
Provectus Pharmatech, Inc. (DBA Provectus Biopharmaceuticals), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, has been granted a patent for a new solution that aims to revolutionize both the treatment of microbial infections and the fight against cancer.
At the heart of this invention lies the utilization of a compound known as halogenated xanthene (HX) as an adjuvant in vaccines. Specifically, the method involves administering a STING dimerization-inducing amount of HX to induce a Type I interferon (IFN) response in mammalian subjects. This response is crucial for bolstering the body’s immune defenses against microbial invaders and malignant tumors.
The choice of HX, particularly rose bengal disodium, as the adjuvant is strategic, given its ability to stimulate STING dimerization effectively. STING activation, in turn, triggers a cascade of immune responses, including the production of Type I IFNs, which play a pivotal role in combating infections and malignancies.
What makes this invention particularly noteworthy is its potential to address two significant challenges in modern medicine: vaccine efficacy and cancer immunotherapy. By enhancing the immune response through STING activation, HX-adjuvanted vaccines have the potential to provide greater protection against infectious diseases, including those caused by emerging pathogens such as the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant.
The application of HX as an adjuvant in cancer immunotherapy holds promise for improving treatment outcomes in patients with various malignancies. By harnessing the immune-stimulating properties of STING activation, HX-adjuvanted vaccines may help unleash the body’s natural defenses against cancer cells, leading to more effective tumor control and potentially better long-term outcomes for patients.
The significance of this invention becomes even more apparent when considering the limitations of current vaccine adjuvants and cancer therapies. While existing adjuvants such as aluminum salts have demonstrated efficacy in enhancing vaccine responses, they may not elicit robust immune activation against certain pathogens or tumors. In contrast, HX offers a novel approach to immune modulation, with the potential to augment both innate and adaptive immune responses.
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