Nventa Biopharmaceuticals Corporation
Encyclopedia
Nventa Biopharmaceuticals Corporation was a Canadian incorporated biopharmaceutical company headquartered in San Diego, California
developing therapeutics for the treatment of viral infections
and cancer
, focusing on diseases caused by human papillomavirus
(HPV). Nventa is currently the only company applying heat shock protein
(Hsp) technology to target the over 20 million Americans already infected with HPV. Previously headquartered in Victoria, British Columbia
, Canada, the company’s common stock traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol: NVN.
, is a novel therapeutic vaccine
intended for the treatment of HPV-related diseases. HspE7 is derived from Nventa’s patented CoVal fusion platform that uses recombinant DNA
technology to covalently
fuse heat shock proteins to target antigen
s, thereby stimulating cellular immune system
responses to specific diseases. Nventa is developing HspE7 in combination with the Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3
) agonist
adjuvant
Poly-ICLC
for multiple indications, including Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (also known as cervical dysplasia or CIN), Genital Warts
, Cervical Cancer
, and head and neck cancers.
According to the annual information form, for the year ending December 31, 2009, provided on Akela Pharma's website, scientific research funding has ceased for HspE7.
Nventa is also developing two additional therapeutic vaccine programs based on its CoVal technology—a Hsp – HBV (hepatitis B) fusion, and prototypes of Hsp fusion proteins with influenza
antigens.
In June 2008, Nventa announced the development of a proprietary vaccine adjuvant
, Poly IC – Poly Arginine (Poly-ICR), for use with both therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines. Poly-ICR is a TLR3 agonist that, when combined with a disease-specific antigen, can induce both cytotoxic
(T cell
) and antibody
(B cell
) immune responses against that antigen. As yet unpublished pre-clinical data indicate that Poly-ICR, in combination with a tumor-associated antigen
, increases antigen-specific CD8 T-cell levels, while both inducing regression
of tumors and preventing tumor growth in mouse models. The company developed Poly-ICR for both internal use and for external licensing opportunities.
(RRP). These trials were initiated prior to the discovery that potency could be greatly enhanced by addition of a vaccine adjuvant. Nventa is currently developing HspE7 combined with the TH1-directed adjuvant Poly-ICLC. A Phase 1b study is complete, assessing safety and tolerability in 17 patients with CIN.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Peter Emtage, Ph.D.,
Vice President, Research and Development
The transaction will be effected by an exchange of Akela common shares for the outstanding shares of Nventa on the basis of 0.0355 Akela shares for each Nventa share, resulting in about 70/30 ownership split between Akela and Nventa shareholders, respectively, in the combined entity.
The public company will retain Akela's name, will operate under Akela's management, and will continue to be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol AKL.
Nventa noted that it would have the right to nominate two directors to the board of directors of Akela.
On May 22, 2009, Akela and Nventa announced the closing of the arrangement agreement to combine the two companies and that the transaction has been approved by the shareholders of Nventa, the British Columbia Supreme Court and the Toronto Stock Exchange.
San Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
developing therapeutics for the treatment of viral infections
Virus
A virus is a small infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of organisms. Viruses infect all types of organisms, from animals and plants to bacteria and archaea...
and cancer
Cancer
Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
, focusing on diseases caused by human papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus is a member of the papillomavirus family of viruses that is capable of infecting humans. Like all papillomaviruses, HPVs establish productive infections only in keratinocytes of the skin or mucous membranes...
(HPV). Nventa is currently the only company applying heat shock protein
Heat shock protein
Heat shock proteins are a class of functionally related proteins involved in the folding and unfolding of other proteins. Their expression is increased when cells are exposed to elevated temperatures or other stress. This increase in expression is transcriptionally regulated...
(Hsp) technology to target the over 20 million Americans already infected with HPV. Previously headquartered in Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, Canada and is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island off Canada's Pacific coast. The city has a population of about 78,000 within the metropolitan area of Greater Victoria, which has a population of 360,063, the 15th most populous Canadian...
, Canada, the company’s common stock traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol: NVN.
Development Programs
The company’s lead candidate, HspE7HspE7
HspE7 is an investigational therapeutic vaccine candidate being developed by Nventa Biopharmaceuticals for the treatment of precancerous and cancerous lesions caused by the human papillomavirus . HspE7 uses recombinant DNA technology to covalently fuse a heat shock protein to a target antigen,...
, is a novel therapeutic vaccine
Vaccine
A vaccine is a biological preparation that improves immunity to a particular disease. A vaccine typically contains an agent that resembles a disease-causing microorganism, and is often made from weakened or killed forms of the microbe or its toxins...
intended for the treatment of HPV-related diseases. HspE7 is derived from Nventa’s patented CoVal fusion platform that uses recombinant DNA
Recombinant DNA
Recombinant DNA molecules are DNA sequences that result from the use of laboratory methods to bring together genetic material from multiple sources, creating sequences that would not otherwise be found in biological organisms...
technology to covalently
Covalent bond
A covalent bond is a form of chemical bonding that is characterized by the sharing of pairs of electrons between atoms. The stable balance of attractive and repulsive forces between atoms when they share electrons is known as covalent bonding....
fuse heat shock proteins to target antigen
Antigen
An antigen is a foreign molecule that, when introduced into the body, triggers the production of an antibody by the immune system. The immune system will then kill or neutralize the antigen that is recognized as a foreign and potentially harmful invader. These invaders can be molecules such as...
s, thereby stimulating cellular immune system
Innate immune system
The innate immune system, also known as non-specific immune system and secondary line of defence, comprises the cells and mechanisms that defend the host from infection by other organisms in a non-specific manner...
responses to specific diseases. Nventa is developing HspE7 in combination with the Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3
TLR 3
Toll-like receptor 3 also known as CD283 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TLR3 gene...
) agonist
Agonist
An agonist is a chemical that binds to a receptor of a cell and triggers a response by that cell. Agonists often mimic the action of a naturally occurring substance...
adjuvant
Immunologic adjuvant
In immunology, an adjuvant is an agent that may stimulate the immune system and increase the response to a vaccine, without having any specific antigenic effect in itself. The word “adjuvant” comes from the Latin word adiuvare, meaning to help or aid...
Poly-ICLC
Poly ICLC
Poly ICLC is an immunostimulant.It consists of carboxymethylcellulose, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid, and poly-L-lysine double-stranded RNA.It is a ligand for toll like receptor-3.-References:...
for multiple indications, including Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (also known as cervical dysplasia or CIN), Genital Warts
Genital wart
Genital warts is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease caused by some sub-types of human papillomavirus . It is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact during oral, genital, or anal sex with an infected partner...
, Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is malignant neoplasm of the cervix uteri or cervical area. One of the most common symptoms is abnormal vaginal bleeding, but in some cases there may be no obvious symptoms until the cancer is in its advanced stages...
, and head and neck cancers.
According to the annual information form, for the year ending December 31, 2009, provided on Akela Pharma's website, scientific research funding has ceased for HspE7.
Nventa is also developing two additional therapeutic vaccine programs based on its CoVal technology—a Hsp – HBV (hepatitis B) fusion, and prototypes of Hsp fusion proteins with influenza
Influenza
Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is an infectious disease caused by RNA viruses of the family Orthomyxoviridae , that affects birds and mammals...
antigens.
In June 2008, Nventa announced the development of a proprietary vaccine adjuvant
Immunologic adjuvant
In immunology, an adjuvant is an agent that may stimulate the immune system and increase the response to a vaccine, without having any specific antigenic effect in itself. The word “adjuvant” comes from the Latin word adiuvare, meaning to help or aid...
, Poly IC – Poly Arginine (Poly-ICR), for use with both therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines. Poly-ICR is a TLR3 agonist that, when combined with a disease-specific antigen, can induce both cytotoxic
Cytotoxicity
Cytotoxicity is the quality of being toxic to cells. Examples of toxic agents are a chemical substance, an immune cell or some types of venom .-Cell physiology:...
(T cell
T cell
T cells or T lymphocytes belong to a group of white blood cells known as lymphocytes, and play a central role in cell-mediated immunity. They can be distinguished from other lymphocytes, such as B cells and natural killer cells , by the presence of a T cell receptor on the cell surface. They are...
) and antibody
Antibody
An antibody, also known as an immunoglobulin, is a large Y-shaped protein used by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects such as bacteria and viruses. The antibody recognizes a unique part of the foreign target, termed an antigen...
(B cell
B cell
B cells are lymphocytes that play a large role in the humoral immune response . The principal functions of B cells are to make antibodies against antigens, perform the role of antigen-presenting cells and eventually develop into memory B cells after activation by antigen interaction...
) immune responses against that antigen. As yet unpublished pre-clinical data indicate that Poly-ICR, in combination with a tumor-associated antigen
Tumor antigen
Tumor antigen is an antigenic substance produced in tumor cells, i.e., it triggers an immune response in the host. Tumor antigens are useful in identifying tumor cells and are potential candidates for use in cancer therapy.- Mechanism of tumor antigenesis:...
, increases antigen-specific CD8 T-cell levels, while both inducing regression
Regression (medicine)
Regression in medicine is a characteristic of diseases to show lighter symptoms without completely disappearing. At a later point, symptoms may return. These symptoms are then called recidive....
of tumors and preventing tumor growth in mouse models. The company developed Poly-ICR for both internal use and for external licensing opportunities.
Clinical Progress
Nventa originally advanced HspE7 as a single-agent therapy into multiple Phase 2 clinical trials with positive results, including trials in cervical dysplasia and recurrent respiratory papillomatosisLaryngeal papillomatosis
Laryngeal papillomatosis, also known as recurrent respiratory papillomatosis or glottal papillomatosis, is a rare medical condition , caused by a HPV infection of the throat. Laryngeal papillomatosis causes assorted tumors or papillomas to develop over a period of time...
(RRP). These trials were initiated prior to the discovery that potency could be greatly enhanced by addition of a vaccine adjuvant. Nventa is currently developing HspE7 combined with the TH1-directed adjuvant Poly-ICLC. A Phase 1b study is complete, assessing safety and tolerability in 17 patients with CIN.
Senior Management
Gregory M. McKee,President and Chief Executive Officer
Peter Emtage, Ph.D.,
Vice President, Research and Development
Merger with Akela Pharma, Inc
On March 27th, 2008, Akela Pharma Inc. and Nventa Biopharmaceuticals Corporation announced the execution of an arrangement agreement to combine the two companies by way of a plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act.The transaction will be effected by an exchange of Akela common shares for the outstanding shares of Nventa on the basis of 0.0355 Akela shares for each Nventa share, resulting in about 70/30 ownership split between Akela and Nventa shareholders, respectively, in the combined entity.
The public company will retain Akela's name, will operate under Akela's management, and will continue to be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol AKL.
Nventa noted that it would have the right to nominate two directors to the board of directors of Akela.
On May 22, 2009, Akela and Nventa announced the closing of the arrangement agreement to combine the two companies and that the transaction has been approved by the shareholders of Nventa, the British Columbia Supreme Court and the Toronto Stock Exchange.