Vaxxinity, Inc. announced the publication of data from multiple non-human primate studies demonstrating that VXX-401 reproducibly lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in non-human primates. The results, which support the continued clinical development of VXX-401 as a candidate for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, were published in the Journal of Lipid Research. VXX-401 is a synthetic peptide vaccine designed to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), which reduce circulating LDL-C by inhibiting the breakdown of low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR).

High LDL-C is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke, and atherosclerosis is the leading cause of disease burden globally. Previous studies have demonstrated that blocking PCSK9 yields lower LDL-C levels and reduces the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Across three separate preclinical studies in cynomolgus monkeys, VXX-401 induced a strong and durable antibody response against PCSK9, and robust, sustained reduction of LDL-C over time.

Prolonged exposure with VXX-401 resulted in an average of 44% LDL-C reduction. VXX-401 was well tolerated and did not induce any toxicity nor pathology beyond mild injection site reactions. These results suggest that VXX-401 could be a safe and effective anti-PCSK9 immunotherapy.

VXX-401 is currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial for safety and tolerability. Vaxxinity is on track to report initial topline data in mid-2024.