Immunotherapy & vaccine adjuvant platform: bacterial c-di-amp delivery

Technology Overview

Cyclic-di-AMP (c-di-AMP) is a potent bacterial second messenger with validated ability to stimulate both innate and adaptive immune responses — making it a highly attractive platform for next-generation vaccine adjuvants and cancer immunotherapeutics. Our team has discovered small-molecule inhibitors of c-di-AMP phosphodiesterases (PDEs), enzymes that degrade intracellular c-di-AMP. By blocking degradation, these inhibitors elevate intracellular c-di-AMP levels, enabling engineered commensal bacteria (e.g., probiotics) to serve as living delivery vehicles that activate the host immune system precisely and sustainably.

Competitive Advantage

The key inhibitory molecules used in this platform are already FDA-approved, dramatically de-risking the development path and accelerating time-to-market. This translates directly into reduced R&D costs, faster regulatory timelines, and a lower-risk investment profile compared to novel small-molecule programs. Probiotic-based delivery also enables time-controlled, targeted release of c-di-AMP, offering a flexible and scalable platform approach.

Market Applications

Vaccine adjuvants — Enhance magnitude, breadth, and longevity of immune responses, potentially reducing required doses

Cancer immunotherapy — Boost efficacy of anti-cancer drugs through immune activation

Probiotic immunomodulation — Enable targeted immune support for at-risk or immunocompromised populations

Investors & Partners

Ideal partners include vaccine manufacturers, cancer immunotherapy developers, and probiotic producers seeking differentiated, IP-protected technology to enhance product efficacy.

Patent Status

Patent pending — full U.S. and worldwide patent rights preserved and available for exclusive or non-exclusive licensing.