Arvax

Arvax was a biotechnology company focused on the development of oral vaccines for the prevention of infectious diseases and biodefense threats. The company utilized a proprietary platform based on live-attenuated Salmonella Typhi (CVD 908-htrA) to deliver protective antigens directly to the mucosal immune system. Its lead programs targeted high-priority pathogens such as Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) and Yersinia pestis (plague). By leveraging oral delivery, Arvax aimed to provide a needle-free, shelf-stable alternative to traditional injectable vaccines. The company was a spin-off from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and primarily operated through federal research grants and academic collaborations.