Friday October 21st 2022

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ExeVir is developing robust therapies providing broad protection against infectious diseases, including coronaviruses. The company has identified high potential candidates harnessing its unique, modular Llama-derived antibody (VHH) technology platform to generate multi-specific antibodies for prophylaxis and treatment against COVID-19. ExeVir is evaluating highly potent heavy chain based antibodies that are unique in targeting both S1 and S2 subunits of the coronavirus spike protein via highly conserved epitopes. Multiple high potential binders offer the potential of heterodimer binders to the spike protein in a molecule or a cocktail.

ExeVir’s multiple candidates demonstrate strong neutralization potency and breath, neutralizing all known previous and current SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, including Omicron BA.5, currently the dominant variant circulating globally. The Company continues to monitor and screen for neutralization of emerging viral variants of concern. Its COVID-19 development program will focus on development of candidates for both treatment and prophylaxis and will be crucial for protecting the large number of immunocompromised people, approximately 3% of the general [Western] population, who remain at high risk of severe COVID-19 disease despite availability of current vaccines. ExeVir aims to select a final preclinical development candidate before year end 2022 ready for further development in 2023.

As part of its broader efforts to combat infectious diseases ExeVir has also identified a triple mode of action dengue fever VHH program for development. Dengue fever is becoming increasingly prevalent in expanding geographies and continues to get more burdensome to global health.

ExeVir is pleased to announce today the appointment of Dr Jeanne Bolger as Chair to the Board of Directors. 

Dr. Bolger has over 35 years of pharmaceutical industry experience in management roles across R&D, Commercial and Business Development and Venture Investments at Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC and at GlaxoSmithKline. She has been leading investments across Europe in start-up and early-stage life science companies and represented JJDC on the Board of Directors of over a dozen companies. She is also a Venture Partner at Seroba Life Sciences Venture Capital and serves on several government taskforces and advisory boards. She is a visiting lecturer on the MSc Pharmaceutical Medicine program at Trinity College Dublin. Dr Bolger received her medical degree from University College Dublin. She is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Medicine of Ireland (RAMI).

Dr. Torsten Mummenbrauer, CEO of ExeVir, said: “The ExeVir team has quickly developed expertise in leveraging its modular VHH platform to address COVID-19. It is now using that experience to find rapid, effective solutions for infectious diseases, particularly as interventions to protect and treat the immunocompromised population. The lack of adequate solutions in that population, leads to significant restrictions in living a normal life. We are extremely pleased to welcome Jeanne as Chair of the Board at such a pivotal time for the Company. Jeanne has an unparalleled track record in the pharmaceutical industry with exceptional expertise in leadership, driving innovation and R&D as well as bringing Commercial and Business Development and significant venture experience. We look forward to working with Jeanne to drive ExeVir’s emerging pipeline forward.”

Dr. Jeanne Bolger commented: “I am delighted to join ExeVir and support the team of leading scientists and entrepreneurs working on research to develop novel treatments for infectious diseases. As genetic pressure increases leading to potential viral mutant escape, ExeVir’s new pipeline is in an advantageous position for the long term. I look forward to adding my experience to support their mission in the international effort against COVID-19 and other emerging diseases of importance to global public health such as dengue fever.”