Oslo, Norway, 1 February 2022 - Targovax ASA (OSE: TRVX), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing immune activators to target hard-to-treat solid tumors, today announces that it has entered into a two-year research collaboration with Prof. Michael Uhlin of the Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, to develop and characterize novel ONCOS oncolytic viruses.  

Dr. Uhlin is a professor of clinical immunology at Karolinska Institutet specializing in onco-immunology, transplantation and lymphocyte biology. Under the collaboration agreement with Targovax, Prof. Uhlin will establish and coordinate a research team dedicated to pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo evaluation of novel ONCOS oncolytic adenoviruses, including circular RNA delivery vectors. The research collaboration has an initial term of two years, which may be extended if successful. 

Dr. Victor Levitsky, Chief Scientific Officer of Targovax, said: "Prof. Uhlin is a highly accomplished scientist with deep experience in translational and clinical immunology. His expertise and research capabilities will play a critical role as we build our portfolio of next generation ONCOS constructs over the coming years. To achieve our ambitious goals of expanding into novel immunotherapy mechanisms, such as circular RNA delivery, access to high-caliber scientists with the relevant skill-set and state-of-the-art infrastructure will be essential. This is precisely what we get through this collaboration with the Karolinska Institute."

Prof. Michael Uhlin, Group Leader at the Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology at Karolinska Institutet, added: "The team at Targovax has generated a compelling set of clinical data for their lead candidate ONCOS-102, which they are now applying to enhance their platform with next generation armed viral immunotherapies. I find it highly scientifically interesting to support Targovax in understanding the biology and immunological activity of this innovative class of oncolytic delivery vectors. It will be exciting to participate in the characterization and optimization of novel ONCOS candidates as potential future treatment options for patients with challenging solid tumors".

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