Invivyd Announces New Pipeline Discovery Program Focused on Monoclonal Antibody Treatment for Measles
Multiple HCPs have requested from Invivyd a monoclonal antibody (mAb) for treatment of active measles infection and post-exposure prophylaxis to reduce the consequence of outbreaks. Such a medicine could accelerate the pathway to functional eradication of measles
Measles (rubeola) virus appears to offer an attractive target for best-in-class monoclonal antibody discovery and development utilizing Invivyd technology
More than 20 million Americans are unvaccinated against measles; U.S. is at risk for losing functional elimination as vaccination rates decline
Goal is to identify a preclinical measles mAb candidate in 2025; company anticipates providing a progress update by end of year
WALTHAM, Mass., May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Invivyd, Inc. (Nasdaq: IVVD) today announced it has initiated a discovery program for a measles monoclonal antibody (mAb). Multiple healthcare providers (HCPs) who are treating active measles and monitoring contacts and outbreaks have inquired directly to Invivyd about the possibility of accessing such a medicine, as there are no currently approved therapies for measles or for post-exposure prophylaxis. Measles monoclonal neutralizing antibody discovery efforts would join current Invivyd discovery programs for next-generation COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza mAbs designed to treat acute infection or provide a high-quality alternative to vaccination.
There are currently no anti-viral treatments for measles. Clinicians have limited options for treatment of individuals sick with measles including high-dose Vitamin A, which is useful to support recovery from measles infections among children who are Vitamin A deficient, and human donor-derived pooled plasma immune globulin (IG) administered via IV (IVIG) to treat active phase measles. Both therapies have limitations for treatment, in addition to not being approved, well-characterized clinical tools: Vitamin A can be hepatotoxic, and IVIG is a non-uniform, polyclonal collection of antibodies collected and pooled from many donors and is poorly suited for widespread use.
Standard measles vaccines confer excellent, long-lasting protection from disease and are the most important tools to prevent measles infection but have important limitations in post-exposure prophylaxis and are increasingly underutilized by sizeable populations in America due to restricted healthcare access or religious or personal views on the use of vaccines in general. Recent research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) estimates the potential health effects of declining vaccine uptake and highlights the enormous health consequences to Americans associated with the reestablishment of previously eradicated pathogens such as measles.
Acute measles infection involves clinical features of varying severity, including fevers, pneumonia, encephalitis, and high-risk of secondary bacterial infections, with one in four infections leading to hospitalization and one in every 1,000 causing death. The virus deletes immunological memory, creating an immunological amnesia that enhances risk of disease against all infections for years. One in a few thousand cases will cause a 100% fatal deterioration of brain tissue called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis approximately 7-10 years after infection.
'Despite effective vaccines, measles outbreaks are increasing globally, including in the U.S. where our elimination status is at risk. With over 20 million unvaccinated Americans in the U.S., and hundreds of millions globally, the burden of measles is high and poised to get worse. There is a huge need for effective treatments,' commented Dr. Michael Mina, MD, PhD, an infectious disease and vaccination expert, previously Professor of Epidemiology and Immunology at Harvard University School of Public Health. 'A monoclonal antibody is a particularly attractive therapeutic option for many reasons: antibodies against measles can be highly neutralizing and thus able to rapidly stop infection; they can avoid toxicities and drug-drug interactions that accompany small molecule approaches; and, finally, monoclonal antibodies can serve as a critical prophylaxis tool for at-risk populations. In addition to treating acute infection, pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis may be especially important for children too young to be vaccinated, the immune compromised who cannot be vaccinated, and the elderly, whose immune protection may have waned, and as prophylaxis for people who are otherwise unvaccinated during measles outbreaks.'
'A measles monoclonal antibody may be an increasingly important therapeutic option in the coming years. Invivyd's core strategy is to use best-in-class pharmaceutical monoclonal antibodies to lower the burden of viral infectious diseases,' commented Marc Elia, Chairman of the Invivyd Board of Directors. 'Measles (rubeola) is an important potential therapeutic target and an excellent fit with our integrated capabilities in antibody discovery, development, and commercialization. Our goal is to discover and develop a safe, convenient, highly effective mAb against measles with a best-in-class profile that can be easily adopted in contemporary clinical practice. We will look forward to updating on our progress later this year.'
About Invivyd
Invivyd, Inc. (Nasdaq: IVVD) is a biopharmaceutical company devoted to delivering protection from serious viral infectious diseases, beginning with SARS-CoV-2. Invivyd deploys a proprietary integrated technology platform unique in the industry designed to assess, monitor, develop, and adapt to create best in class antibodies. In March 2024, Invivyd received emergency use authorization (EUA) from the U.S. FDA for a monoclonal antibody (mAb) in its pipeline of innovative antibody candidates. Visit https://invivyd.com/ to learn more.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as 'anticipates,' 'believes,' 'could,' 'expects,' 'estimates,' 'intends,' 'potential,' 'predicts,' 'projects,' and 'future' or similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning, among other things, the company's discovery programs; the company's goal to identify a preclinical monoclonal antibody candidate targeting measles, and the timing thereof; beliefs about the limitations of existing measles vaccines and therapies, the potential health effects of declining measles vaccine uptake, and the need for effective measles treatments; expectations regarding the potential benefits of a measles monoclonal antibody; Invivyd's strategy to use best-in-class pharmaceutical monoclonal antibodies to lower the burden of viral infectious diseases, and its goal to discover and develop a safe, convenient, highly effective, monoclonal antibody against measles with a best-in-class profile that can be easily adopted in contemporary clinical practice; the company's devotion to delivering protection from serious viral infectious diseases; and other statements that are not historical fact. The company may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in the company's forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on the company's forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: the timing, progress and results of the company's discovery, preclinical and clinical development activities; whether the company's discovery efforts will result in a preclinical monoclonal antibody candidate targeting measles, and the timing thereof, and whether or not any preclinical candidate identified is determined to be suitable for clinical development; the risk that results of nonclinical studies or clinical trials may not be predictive of future results, and interim data are subject to further analysis; the predictability of clinical success of the company's product candidates based on neutralizing activity in nonclinical studies; potential variability in neutralizing activity of product candidates tested in different assays, such as pseudovirus assays and authentic assays; the company's reliance on third parties with respect to virus assay creation and product candidate testing and with respect to its clinical trials; uncertainties related to the regulatory authorization or approval process, and available development and regulatory pathways for authorization or approval of the company's product candidates; changes in the regulatory environment; changes in expected or existing competition; the complexities of manufacturing monoclonal antibodies; whether Invivyd is able to use best-in-class pharmaceutical monoclonal antibodies to lower the burden of viral infectious diseases; macroeconomic and political uncertainties; the company's ability to continue as a going concern; and whether the company has adequate funding to meet future operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements. Other factors that may cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements in this press release are described under the heading 'Risk Factors' in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and in the company's other filings with the SEC, and in its future reports to be filed with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of this date, and Invivyd undertakes no duty to update such information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law.
This press release contains hyperlinks to information that is not deemed to be incorporated by reference in this press release.
Contacts:
Media Relations(781) 208-1747media@invivyd.com
Investor Relations(781) 208-1747investors@invivyd.comSign in to access your portfolio
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
- Yahoo
62% of Women Don't Know This Important Heart Health Fact, a Cleveland Clinic Cardiologist Warns
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. But many don't realize this fact, or simply don't think they're at risk. A new national survey of women in the U.S. by Cleveland Clinic, in collaboration with YouGov, found that 62% of women don't know that heart disease affects men and women at similar rates. For decades, health experts have been working to raise awareness about women and heart disease, but more work needs to be done, says , a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic. 🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 'Women are fixated on breast cancer and gynecological cancer—and those are very, very important—but the sad truth is that a majority of women will die from heart disease,' she adds. 'So, it's really important to keep on educating.' Heart disease was responsible for one in five female deaths in the U.S. in 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The good news is that in many instances, you can lower your risk for heart disease. Here's what you should know. The Cleveland Clinic survey highlighted a few barriers that affect women's health and access to health care. Cost is a big one—most women surveyed said the cost of health care, healthy foods and exercise keep them from prioritizing their health. A third listed stress and anxiety, and 14% said caregiving responsibilities were challenges. Related: This Habit May Make You Six Times More Likely to Have a Heart Attack'Those barriers are very real, and we see them all the time,' Dr. Cho says. Women in their 40s, 50s and 60s, known as the 'sandwich generation,' are typically caring for their parents and children, and may neglect their own needs. Food costs are rising, and healthy foods are typically more expensive than unhealthy items, research shows. Many Americans also live in food deserts, where they don't even have access to healthy foods. Checking out local food pantries or other local resources could help. When it comes to exercise, there are many free options out there. 'We often think we need money for exercise, but we don't need any money for exercise,' Dr. Cho says. She recommends tapping into the many free workout videos on YouTube or starting to walk. It's important to start monitoring your blood pressure and other aspects of your cardiovascular health now, Dr. Cho says. As you get older, your blood pressure usually goes up, so getting a baseline and paying attention to changes is crucial. If you're healthy overall, you should get your cholesterol and glucose levels checked every couple of years (or more often if you're at a high risk for heart disease), Dr. Cho says. Related: A Cardiovascular Dietitian Says This Hidden Ingredient Could Be Wreaking Havoc on Heart Health Monitoring your health will help you recognize when something changes so that you can get treated quickly. Most cases of heart disease are preventable, meaning you can lower your risk factors, Dr. Cho says. 'That's the great news,' she says. 'So, how do you do that? You do that by not smoking. You do that by eating healthy, exercising and getting your blood pressure checked, your cholesterol checked, making sure you are not diabetic, and that you know your family risk. Those are the important bottom-line things.' Related: 3 Subtle Signs of Heart Attack Risk Most People Miss, According to a Doctor Along with quitting smoking and keeping up with your health screenings, here are some tips to lower your risk, according to the American Heart Association: Many women have at least one condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or a family history. Women with 'adverse pregnancy outcomes,' such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and other conditions during pregnancy, may have a higher risk of developing heart disease later, Dr. Cho says. Nausea, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, fatigue, cold sweats, or aches or tightness in your chest, arms, back, neck, jaw or abdomen are symptoms women might experience. Choose lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, low-fat dairy and skinless poultry. Limit ultra-processed foods, sugar, saturated fat, red meat and sodium. Strive to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week or 75 minutes of intense activity or a combo. Add in strength training two or more days a week. It's never too early or too late to take care of your heart, Dr. Cho says. 'I desperately want women to know that the number one killer for women is heart disease. You can reduce your risk, and risk factors are preventable.' Up Next:Leslie Cho, MD, a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic Cleveland Clinic Survey Reveals Insights into Women's Health, Sheds Light on Gaps in Knowledge and Barriers to Care, Cleveland Clinic About Women and Heart Disease, CDC The 'sandwich generation': women caring for parents and children, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Food-at-home prices forecast to rise by 3.3 percent in 2025, USDA Healthy Food Prices Increased More Than the Prices of Unhealthy Options during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Concurrent Challenges to the Food System, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health How to Help Prevent Heart Disease At Any Age, American Heart Association
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Opinion - Federal food aid cuts will cause America's hunger crisis to skyrocket
The Daily Table, one of the largest food banks in Boston, recently announced it was closing its doors after serving more than 3 million people throughout the city over the past decade. The organization cited high food prices and an 'uncertain funding environment' as the main reasons. 'Without immediate funding to bridge us through 2025, we cannot continue,' read the group's farewell note to supporters. Pantries like the Daily Table across the country are struggling to stay open after the U.S. Department of Agriculture quietly cut $1 billion in 2025 funding back in March for food relief programs that have historically supported the nation's most disadvantaged communities. Specifically, the USDA abruptly slashed the Emergency Food Assistance Program, which supported food banks in addressing the growing hunger crisis in America. The agency also canceled the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, USDA-led initiatives that paid farmers and ranchers to produce the food that pantries and schools distributed to those in need. '[Funding] is no longer available and those agreements will be terminated following 60-day notification,' a USDA spokesperson bluntly told Politico when the cuts were discovered. Food banks depend on federal funding to help those in need. The USDA cuts have hit these organizations hard, stifling their ability to fulfill their missions in West Virginia, New York, California, Maryland, Washington, Oregon and beyond. Three District of Columbia-area food banks have delivered 1.4 million fewer meals since the USDA action, and these numbers are certain to grow. The need for food banks has never been greater. According to the USDA's own data, over 47 million people resided in food-insecure households in 2023. Demand in Nebraska is four times greater than it was in 2018, while some food pantries in Texas are serving 25 percent more people today than before the pandemic. And in what may be the most troubling statistic of all, nearly half of the residents in Kentucky and Indiana face an impossible choice of either paying for food or covering their utility bills. The USDA actions were a potential blow to farmers — a constituency the Trump administration has vowed to protect. They also defy the Trump administration's 'Farmers First' agenda. 'The defense of the family farm is a defense of everything America has been — and everything we will be,' wrote USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins in announcing the imperative. 'It is my privilege to come to their defense.' Canceling these programs is a slap in the face to every farmer who relies on federal support to help vulnerable Americans receive the food they need to survive. These economic initiatives drive local agriculture and are a vital source of revenue, especially for small farm operators. The USDA cuts deepen the impact for those who already lack access to healthy meals. Before the USDA rollbacks began, nearly 10 million children were at risk of going hungry this summer due to states opting out of the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program. Eliminating federal support for food banks will make their untenable situation even worse. And if House Republicans move forward with a plan to decimate the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program in their proposed budget bill, the hunger crisis in America could become a full-blown emergency. SNAP currently helps 40 million low-income families afford groceries every month. The House bill, if approved, would gut the program by more than $260 billion over the next 10 years to help offset the Trump administration's tax cut proposals. The House GOP plan puts an added burden on states to make up the difference in SNAP support, many of which are financially strapped and won't be able to cover the funding gap. The USDA cuts come at a time when food prices are expected to rise 3.5 percent in 2025 alone due to recent tariff increases. They will have a 'significant and damaging impact' for millions who rely on these programs for food support, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and other U.S. senators have argued. Administration officials and members of Congress alike should heed the warnings from those on the front lines who run food banks and have seen firsthand the impacts the USDA cuts have had on their ability to address food insecurity in their communities. 'We've never before faced a situation like we are in now,' said Michael McKee, CEO of Virginia-based Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. '[The] need is well beyond any disaster or financial crisis that we've seen, and the government's response is to take food away.' 'This isn't about ideology,' he added. 'It's about math.' Let's have compassion for those with nothing to eat by restoring food programs that offer them nourishment and hope for a better future. Lyndon Haviland is a distinguished scholar at the CUNY School of Public Health and Health Policy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
BJ Penn arrested for 3rd time in last week amid family issues
The post BJ Penn arrested for 3rd time in last week amid family issues appeared first on ClutchPoints. UFC Hall of Famer B.J. Penn was arrested on Friday, May 30, for the third time in the past week. The former UFC fighter has been claiming that his family has been murdered and replaced by imposters. Penn was arrested for failing to appear in court, which violated his bail agreement. Penn claimed that he did not show up to court due to contracting COVID-19, but the claim was unsuccessful, according to the Hawaiian news outlet KHON2. Penn's last arrest followed the former UFC star being in handcuffs on Sunday (May 25) and then again on Monday (May 26). He was arrested on charges of abuse of a family or household member in both incidents. His mother, Lorraine Shin, has filed a temporary restraining order against her son as she claims that Penn 'grabbed my arms and shoved me against the 4-door gray sedan, which I felt a sharp pain in my back,' on May 25 and called out for her younger son, Reagan, to help her. He was ordered to stay away from his mother's home for 48 hours, but she claims he was caught breaking in the next day. He was arrested for violating the legal order. She noticed that items from her bedroom, 'such as clothes, shoes, jewelry, personal items' went missing as well as 'with my driver's license, credit card and locks for my safe,' were stolen. Shin filed a police report after the items from her room went missing as Penn denied tampering with her items. Since belongings around the house were being misplaced, she installed a security camera which she claims Penn 'also put glue into my dead bolts that stopped me from opening my bedroom door.' Shin believes that her son is suffering from a mental disorder. 'I believe my son [B.J. Penn] is suffering from Capgras delusional syndrome [a psychiatric disorder in which a person holds a delusion that a friend, spouse, parent, other close family member has been replaced by an identical imposter],' Shin wrote in a statement provided to authorities. 'He believes I'm an imposter who has killed his family to gain control of the family assets.' Penn earned two UFC titles (Welterweight and Lightweight) and was later inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2015. He currently holds the record for most UFC Lightweight title defenses and was the first non-Brazilian to win the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship. His last fight was in 2019. After being caught in street fighting videos, UFC CEO Dana White released him from the organization. 'He won't fight again. That's it. That's a wrap,' White said in 2019. 'It's not even that this was the last straw. I didn't love him continuing to fight anyway. But when you have the relationship that he and I have, and he's getting me on the phone begging me for another fight, begging me for another opportunity, it's hard for me to turn him down. But after what I saw on that video, B.J. needs to focus on his personal life and get himself together before he thinks about fighting again.'
