OUR SCIENCE
Expanding the reach of antibody therapeutics
We generate high-affinity antibodies against targets typically missed by conventional technologies by turning the immunofocusing ability of trypanosomes into an effective disease-fighting strategy.
THE CHALLENGE
Many critical disease targets remain out of reach
Current technologies can easily generate antibodies to target large disease-associated molecules like proteins. However, small molecules, glycans, toxins, and other poorly immunogenic targets often fail to trigger sufficiently strong immune responses despite their important roles in driving complex diseases.
This significantly limits the development of effective antibody therapeutics with conventional methods, leaving critical medical needs unaddressed and reflecting a yet-untapped therapeutic opportunity.
OUR TECHNOLOGY
Redefining antibody discovery through VAST
Inspired by the immune-evasion strategy of African trypanosomes, our proprietary VAST (VSG-Immunogen Array by Sortase Tagging) platform enables the generation of high-affinity antibodies against challenging targets, unlocking previously hidden therapeutic opportunities against complex diseases.
Step 1: Following nature's blueprint
VAST harnesses the natural immunogenic surface of African trypanosomes, covered by roughly 10 million Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG) molecules.
Step 2: Dense antigen display
We engineered VSGs to allow for antigen conjugation via a strategy that creates trypanosome surfaces densely covered with antigens.
Step 3: Strong immune activation
The dense and repetitive antigen presentation triggers a robust immune response, generating millions of antibodies specific to the desired target.
Step 4: Exciting antibody discovery
Highly selective screening identifies the most promising antibody candidates with exceptional affinity and specificity—all set for further development.
OUR ADVANTAGE
Small targets, VAST gains
Our platform is designed to unlock antibody discovery opportunities where conventional approaches often fall short.
Versatile
Supports a broad range of target classes, including glycans, peptides, toxins, and other small molecules.
Adjuvant-Free
Generates robust immune responses without additional adjuvants needed by conventional approaches.
Stronger Response
Mimics the trypanosome's unique surface architecture to elicit a focused and powerful immune response.
Targeted
Generates highly specific, high-affinity antibodies against challenging small targets, enabling diverse therapeutic applications.
OUR PUBLICATIONS
Explore the scientific foundation of our work
Discovering trypanosome’s unique immunogenic advantage
Gkeka A, et al. (2023). Immunodominant surface epitopes power immune evasion in the African trypanosome. Cell Reports.
View publicationTransforming trypanosome biology into the VAST technology
Triller G, et al. (2023). A trypanosome-derived immunotherapeutics platform elicits potent high-affinity antibodies, negating the effects of the synthetic opioid fentanyl. Cell Reports.
View publicationShowcasing the VAST approach for dual biodefense applications
Urban K, et al. (2024). The fentanyl-specific antibody FenAb024 can shield against carfentanil effects. Toxicology Letters.
View publicationVAST isn’t just cool biology. It delivers.
Discover how our platform translates differentiated biology into meaningful antibody assets and development opportunities.