TAEK-VAC-HerBy

TAEK-VAC-HerBy is a first-in-class therapeutic cancer vaccine developed by Bavarian Nordic. It is based on the non-replicating MVA-BN viral vector and encodes three key components: a genetically modified form of human HER2 (to prevent oncogenic activity and antibody binding), a genetically modified transcription factor Brachyury (to inhibit its nuclear localization and transcriptional activity), and membrane-bound human CD40 ligand (CD40L). The vaccine is designed to stimulate immune responses against tumors expressing HER2 or Brachyury, enhancing antitumor efficacy especially when used in combination with tumor-targeting antibodies such as trastuzumab or pertuzumab. Preclinical studies demonstrated that TAEK-VAC-HerBy enhances leukocyte activation, cytokine secretion, and antitumor CD8+ T cell responses. Clinical development reached phase 2 for several solid tumors but has since been discontinued[1][3][5][6].