Evaxion A/S (“Evaxion”), a clinical-stage TechBio company developing novel vaccines using its pioneering AI-Immunology™ platform, announced new data that further supports the multicomponent concept of its cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine program EVX-V1.
The data were presented today at a poster session at the International Herpesvirus Workshop (IHW) 2026 in Montreal, Canada.
EVX-V1 is a next-generation multicomponent CMV vaccine program designed with AI-Immunology™. It combines novel protective B-cell antigens with T-cell epitopes complemented by known, optimized structural B-cell antigens.
This broader multi-targeting strategy is expected to enhance the protective capabilities of future vaccines. This concept represents a scalable strategy for rational vaccine development against other herpesviruses.
We are excited about the new data, which will guide the selection of antigens for broadly protective CMV vaccine candidates and represent an important step forward for the EVX-V1 program. CMV remains a major clinical challenge, causing severe disease in immunocompromised individuals and infants, but there is no licensed vaccine. EVX-V1 has the potential to change the future CMV treatment landscape. ”
Birgitte Rønø, CSO and COO of Evaxion
New data show that novel T cell epitopes discovered by AI-Immunology™ may improve control of acute infection, latency and reactivation in CMV-infected mice. This complements previous findings regarding novel B-cell antigens that significantly reduce viral infection in preclinical models and optimized known structural B-cell antigens that mediate superior virus neutralization.
About EVX-V1
EVX-V1 is a next-generation multicomponent cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine candidate that combines novel antigens discovered by AI with AI-optimized versions of established CMV vaccine antigens. This combination allows EVX-V1 to attack the virus from multiple complementary angles. This broader multi-targeting strategy is expected to enhance the vaccine’s protective ability.
Using the AI-Immunology™ platform, we discovered a novel antigen that is completely new to the CMV vaccine research field. These previously uncharacterized CMV antigens induce specific immune responses, inhibit viral infection, and reduce cell-to-cell spread in cellular and animal viral infection models.
EVX-V1 is a combination of these antigens with our proprietary AI-optimized prefusion glycoprotein B (gB) antigen, which has demonstrated superior performance compared to traditional gB antigens, including enhanced CMV neutralization.
About CMV
Approximately 1 in 200 babies are born with congenital CMV infection. About one in five infected newborns will have birth defects or other long-term health problems. CMV infects approximately 60% to 70% of adults in developed countries and nearly 100% in developing countries, increasing the demand for CMV treatment. Despite decades of research, there is no approved CMV vaccine to date.
The CMV treatment market size was valued at $474.6 million in 2023 and is expected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% from 2024 to 2032. This growth is being driven by increased awareness and prevalence of CMV infection and the development of new and effective treatments.
CMV is the most complex of all herpesviruses and is a widespread infection transmitted through body fluids. Once infected, the virus remains for life. People with weakened immune systems, including organ transplant recipients, can develop severe symptoms that affect the eyes, lungs, and liver, and infants who are congenitally infected can suffer intellectual disability and loss of vision and hearing.
