Intercell

Intercell
Specialty	Immunology, Vaccinology

Intercell was a biotechnology company focused on the development of vaccines for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Vienna, Austria, Intercell was known for its innovative approach to vaccine development, particularly in the field of adjuvants and antigen discovery.

History

Intercell was established in 1998 by a group of scientists and entrepreneurs with the aim of advancing vaccine technology. The company gained prominence through its development of the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine, which was approved in several countries and marketed under the name IXIARO.

In 2013, Intercell merged with Vivalis, a French biotechnology company, to form Valneva SE, a global leader in the development of vaccines.

Technology and Innovations

Intercell was renowned for its proprietary antigen identification program, which utilized a combination of bioinformatics and immunology to discover novel vaccine targets. The company also developed a unique adjuvant system known as IC31®, which was designed to enhance the immune response to vaccines.

IC31® Adjuvant

IC31® is a synthetic adjuvant that combines an immunostimulatory oligonucleotide with a peptide. This combination is designed to activate both the innate and adaptive immune systems, leading to a more robust and long-lasting immune response. IC31® has been tested in various clinical trials and has shown promise in enhancing the efficacy of vaccines against diseases such as tuberculosis and influenza.

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

One of Intercell's most significant achievements was the development of a vaccine for Japanese Encephalitis, a mosquito-borne viral infection prevalent in Asia. The vaccine, IXIARO, was developed using a cell culture-based production method, which was a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional methods. IXIARO has been approved for use in several countries and is recommended for travelers to endemic regions.

Merger with Vivalis

In 2013, Intercell merged with Vivalis to form Valneva SE. This merger combined Intercell's expertise in vaccine development with Vivalis's capabilities in cell-based technologies, creating a stronger entity focused on the development of innovative vaccines.

Also see

• Valneva SE
• Vaccine
• Adjuvant
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Biotechnology