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QS-21 immune adjuvant

An investigational adjuvant

What is QS-21?

QS-21 fact sheet

QS-21™ is an investigational adjuvant, which is a substance added to vaccines and other immunotherapies that is designed to enhance the body’s immune response to the antigen contained within the treatment. It is the leading member of the Stimulon® family of adjuvants. As a vaccine additive, it is currently being evaluated in clinical trials in a variety of disease areas by Antigenics' corporate partners.

How does QS-21 work?

As one of the world’s most widely studied adjuvants, research has shown that when added to a vaccine, QS-21 has the potential ability to increase total vaccine-specific antibody response and T-cell response. In addition, QS-21 appears to increase potency of the vaccine with relatively small quantities of antigen and to exhibit synergy with other adjuvants. Because of the ability of QS-21 to improve the body’s immune response to very low doses of antigen, vaccine antigen may be ‘spared,’ which could significantly decrease the amount of antigen required for a given dose and make vaccine production more economical.

How is QS-21 being tested and in which disease areas?

Through corporate partnering with leading pharmaceutical companies, Antigenics’ QS-21 is an integral part of experimental vaccines and treatments for conditions such as melanoma, malaria, HIV and other infectious diseases. Our partners include GlaxoSmithKline, Wyeth-Lederle Vaccines, Aventis Pasteur, Progenics Pharmaceuticals and Elan Corporation.

What partnering opportunities are available for QS-21?

For more information about partnering opportunities, please contact Business Development.

 White paper: Advent of the Adjuvant
 QS-21 references
 QS-21 news
 Partnered programs

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