Vaccine Adjuvants
Vaccines are composed of one or more antigens and may contain one or more adjuvants in an appropriate formulation. The function of adjuvants is to enhance immune recognition of the antigens and increase the ability of the immune system to make antigen-specific antibodies. The most commonly used adjuvants are salts of aluminum.
Agonists of TLRs induce immune responses that may be appropriate for use as adjuvants in vaccines. Idera has identified novel compounds which act as agonists for TLRs 7, 8, and 9.
In late 2006, Idera entered into a research collaboration with Merck and granted Merck a worldwide, exclusive license to develop and commercialize Idera’s TLR7, 8, and 9 agonists by incorporating them into therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines being developed by Merck & Co., Inc. for oncology, infectious diseases, and Alzheimer’s disease.
In May 2008, Idera announced that, under this collaboration, a preclinical milestone was achieved with one of its novel TLR9 agonists used as an adjuvant in cancer vaccines. As a result, Idera is eligible to receive a milestone paymen from Merck & Co.