Scientific Approach
Science That Starts at the Scaffold
Our scientific strategy begins at the antibody framework level, where upstream design choices can shape immune-related development risk before those issues compound in later-stage optimization.
The Problem
The Problem We Set Out to Address
Immunogenicity remains one of the least predictable and most consequential risks in antibody therapeutic development. Anti-drug antibody responses can neutralize efficacy, cause adverse events, and lead to treatment discontinuation. Yet most development programs address this risk reactively — after a lead molecule has already been selected.
Scaffold Science
Why the Scaffold Matters
The antibody framework — the structural backbone that supports antigen binding — is often treated as a fixed element inherited from the germline. But framework regions can contain predicted T-cell epitopes that contribute to immunogenicity liability, regardless of which target the antibody is designed to bind.
Framework-Level Liabilities
Predicted T-cell epitopes embedded in common germline frameworks can present risk across programs built on that scaffold, creating a systemic vulnerability that is typically inherited rather than addressed.
Upstream Design Opportunity
By addressing these liabilities at the scaffold level rather than per-molecule, the design choice is intended to propagate benefit across downstream applications — potentially reducing repeated cost and risk.
Our Thesis
A Scaffold-First Strategy
VestraNova's scientific thesis is that immunogenicity risk may be more effectively managed by re-engineering the antibody scaffold itself — before CDR grafting, before payload conjugation, and before clinical optimization.
Identify Liabilities
Computational analysis identifies predicted MHC-II binding epitopes within the framework regions of the starting scaffold.
Engineer the Foundation
Targeted modifications are designed to reduce these predicted liabilities while maintaining structural integrity and binding function.
Validate Computationally
Constructs undergo in silico assessment for immunogenicity profile, structural stability, and manufacturability before advancing.
Evaluation
How We Assess the Platform
The platform is assessed through computational immunogenicity prediction, structural modeling, stability analysis, and cross-validation across multiple HLA alleles representing broad population coverage. Each construct is evaluated not only for its individual profile, but for how it performs as a reusable foundation across diverse targets and modalities.
Diligence Boundary
Public Science, Protected Implementation
VestraNova maintains a clear boundary between publicly available strategic science and confidential implementation detail. The information presented here is designed to support informed evaluation while protecting the enabling innovations that underpin the platform. Detailed technical materials are shared selectively in the appropriate diligence setting.
Explore the Science Further
Additional scientific detail is available under confidentiality for qualified investors, partners, and collaborators.