Appili Therapeutics, colleagues publish manuscript on ATI-1701 efficacy

Appili Therapeutics (APLIF) announced a new publication in the journal Vaccine, supporting the efficacy of its biodefense vaccine candidate, ATI-1701. The manuscript, titled, “Vaccination with a novel live attenuated strain of Francisella tularensis subsp. tularensis protects cynomolgus macaques against aerosol F. tularensis infection,” details studies showing robust and durable protection from lethal tularemia exposure in both rat and non-human primate models. ATI-1701, a live attenuated strain of F. tularensis, is being developed as a first-in-class vaccine to protect against tularemia, a highly contagious and potentially fatal bacterial disease. The publication, co-authored by Dr. Carl Gelhaus, Director of Non-Clinical Research at Appili, and researchers from leading biodefense institutions in the U.S., Canada, and Sweden, highlights key findings from multiple preclinical studies. Key results from the study include: 100% survival in rats challenged with aerosolized SCHU S4 up to one-year post-vaccination, even at challenge doses greater than10,000x the median lethal dose. In cynomolgus macaques, ATI-1701 demonstrated up to 100% protection, reduced disease severity, and improved histopathological outcomes. Immunized animals exhibited robust antibody responses, correlating with survival and supporting the vaccine’s immunogenic potential. This study reinforces ATI-1701’s potential as a leading candidate for tularemia prevention and supports continued development in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense. ATI-1701 is the Company’s vaccine candidate for the prevention of infection with F. tularensis. Since it is a highly infectious pathogen capable of causing severe illness, medical countermeasures for F. tularensis are a top biodefense priority for governments around the world. There is currently no approved vaccine for the prevention of tularemia in the United States or other major global markets, strengthening ATI-1701’s position as a potentially valuable vaccine urgently needed on the market.