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SaponiQx Publishes Breakthrough on Scalable, Stable QS-21 Adjuvant Production for Pandemic Vaccine Development

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SaponiQx Publishes Breakthrough on Scalable, Stable QS-21 Adjuvant Production for Pandemic Vaccine Development
News

News

SaponiQx Publishes Breakthrough on Scalable, Stable QS-21 Adjuvant Production for Pandemic Vaccine Development

2025-01-30 23:02 Last Updated At:23:12

LEXINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 30, 2025--

SaponiQx, a leader in next-generation saponin-based adjuvant discovery and a subsidiary of Agenus Inc., today announced the publication of their latest preclinical data in the journal Vaccines. The study highlights SaponiQx’s innovative cultured plant cell QS-21 (cpcQS-21) adjuvant technology, which delivers immune-enhancement equivalent to tree-bark-derived QS-21 while offering unprecedented scalability and stability. This positions cpcQS-21 as a game-changing solution for pandemic-scale vaccine production.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250130926615/en/

QS-21, a critical component of several licensed vaccines, has historically faced supply constraints due to its reliance on tree-bark extraction. SaponiQx’s cell culture technology eliminates these challenges, enabling high-volume, sustainable production of QS-21 with consistent quality. This breakthrough ensures the ability to meet vaccine demands from specialty to pandemic-scale applications without compromising performance.

Key Advantages of cpcQS-21 Technology:

“cpcQS-21 marks a monumental leap in vaccine adjuvant technology,” said Rebecca Kurnat, Head of Operations at SaponiQx. “It matches the high performance of traditional QS-21 while solving the critical challenges of supply and scalability. This technology empowers manufacturers to transition seamlessly from specialty vaccine production to meeting global pandemic needs, ensuring no compromise on quality or accessibility.”

The recent study, conducted in collaboration with a major pharmaceutical company, demonstrated the potential of cpcQS-21 in HMPV vaccine formulations. This respiratory pathogen poses significant public health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations, and currently lacks a licensed vaccine despite promising candidates in development. By integrating cpcQS-21, vaccine formulations achieved enhanced immunogenicity, highlighting its transformative potential for existing and new vaccine platforms.

About SaponiQx
Founded in 2021, SaponiQx, a subsidiary of Agenus Inc., leads the way in the discovery and production of saponin-based adjuvants. Its flagship product, STIMULON™ QS-21, is a cornerstone of adjuvant systems in multiple licensed vaccines, addressing critical gaps in vaccine development with innovative, sustainable solutions.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding vaccine and adjuvant development. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in Agenus’ filings with the SEC.

(Photo: Business Wire)

(Photo: Business Wire)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has asked Congress to approve nearly $40 billion in aid to help the Los Angeles area recover from January's devastating wildfires, which he said could become the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history.

Newsom sent a letter Friday asking for support from lawmakers including House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), the House Appropriations Committee chair.

“Los Angeles is one of the most economically productive places on the globe, but it can only rebound and flourish with support from the federal government as it recovers from this unprecedented disaster,” Newsom wrote.

Estimates of the total economic loss from the firestorm have been estimated to surpass $250 billion — with real estate losses from the Palisades and Eaton fires predicted to potentially top $30 billion, according to a Los Angeles Times analysis. More than 16,200 structures were destroyed as flames ripped through Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Pasadena and Altadena.

Newsom vowed that the funding would be used to rebuild homes, infrastructure, businesses, schools, churches and health care facilities, while supporting the needs of people affected by the devastation.

“Make no mistake, Los Angeles will use this money wisely,” Newsom wrote.

His largest request is for an additional $16.8 billion from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, mostly intended for the rebuilding of property and infrastructure, with $5 billion earmarked for debris cleanup.

Newsom also asked for $9.9 billion from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for grants to fire victims, homeowners, businesses and renters, as well as $5.29 billion from the Small Business Administration for homeowner and business loans.

Newsom thanked President Donald Trump for support for fast-tracking debris removal. The letter did not mention recent threats by the Trump administration that federal aid could come with strings attached.

“We are eternally grateful,” Newsom said.

Trump has been a frequent critic of Newsom and California's water policies. Ric Grenell, a Trump ally serving as his envoy for special missions, said Friday that “there will be conditions” to any federal aid for the state.

He said one of the possible conditions being discussed was defunding the California Coastal Commission, which regulates coastal development and protects public beach access. Trump has criticized the agency as overly restrictive, bureaucratic and a hindrance to timely rebuilding efforts.

A mural sits in front of a burned property on Woodbury Avenue a month after the Eaton Fire, Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

A mural sits in front of a burned property on Woodbury Avenue a month after the Eaton Fire, Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

An American flag is suspended from a charred bunny sculpture at the Bunny Museum, which was destroyed by the Eaton Fire in January, Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

An American flag is suspended from a charred bunny sculpture at the Bunny Museum, which was destroyed by the Eaton Fire in January, Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

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