BUFFALO — MimiVax, Inc., a biotechnology company focused on the development of SurVaxM, a survivin-targeted vaccine therapy for glioblastoma and other cancers, announced new investments from the venture philanthropy arms of leading brain tumor patient organizations, venture capital, private and existing investors. The amount invested was not disclosed.
The investments from the Brain Tumor Investment Fund (BTIF), an affiliate of the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS), the Sontag Innovation Fund, LLC, a subsidiary of the Sontag Foundation, the MEDA Angels, LLC, Varia Ventures and private investors will support the ongoing phase 2b clinical study, subsequent registration-related work and prepare the company for commercialization of SurVaxM for ndGBM. Glioblastoma is a rare but deadly cancer with median overall survival of only about 16 months. SurVaxM was developed to bring a paradigm shift to a field that has seen little advancement in decades.
MimiVax is rapidly enrolling subjects in its SURVIVE trial [NCT05163080], a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled Phase 2b clinical trial of SurVaxM among patients with ndGBM at 11 cancer centers across the USA. This follows the successful Phase 2a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology having met its primary endpoint, achieving a median overall survival (mOS) of 25.9 months – and further reporting that 41% of the patients receiving SurVaxM survived at least 3 years, with several long term progression-free survivors.
Investment funding is designed to help MimiVax achieve its goal of revolutionizing the landscape of brain tumor treatment. “We are honored to receive significant investments from The Brain Tumor Investment Fund, The Sontag Innovation Fund, MEDA Angels, Varia Ventures along with our private investors. “Their confidence in our mission further propels our efforts to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by brain tumors,” said Michael Ciesielski, CEO, MimiVax, Inc.
The Brain Tumor Investment Fund, known for its dedication to funding pioneering solutions in neuro-oncology, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “Brain tumor patients and caregivers desperately need better outcomes. The results seen in previous trials of SurVaxM make us optimistic for the SURVIVE Phase 2b trial and the potential for a new treatment on the horizon” said John Higgins, Managing Director of BTIF.
