Joint project TheraImmun funded by IFB Hamburg and EFRE
Hamburg, July 29, 2025 – PROVIREX Genome Editing Therapies GmbH and the Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV) have been awarded €1.7 million in funding through the PROFI Transfer Plus program by the Hamburg Investment and Development Bank (IFB Hamburg) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The funded collaboration project, TheraImmun, aims to establish a modular gene therapy platform for the targeted modification of immune cells, with an initial application focused on the treatment of HTLV-1.
A therapeutic approach to an unmet global health threat
Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) is a globally distributed retrovirus that, like HIV, integrates its genetic material into the DNA of immune cells. It can lead to severe diseases such as T-cell leukemia and neurological disorders. To date, there are no approved therapies.
The TheraImmun project addresses this challenge using a designer recombinase (RecHTLV), a proprietary and patent-protected recombinase owned by PROVIREX, which specifically excises the integrated viral genome. The recombinase is delivered via adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) that are engineered with VHH antibody fragments on their surface, enabling precise targeting of infected immune cells.
Combining technological innovation with scientific excellence
The platform is based on PROVIREX’s patented gene editing technology, originally developed for excising integrated HIV genomes. In TheraImmun, this approach is enhanced through the LIV’s expertise in VHH-AAV delivery systems.
The project also incorporates advanced 3D organoid models for preclinical validation. These realistic tissue models allow for precise and ethically responsible research without the use of animal testing.
Project voices
Dr. Niklas Beschorner, Head of Research at PROVIREX:
“This collaboration brings together our therapeutic platform technology with world-class virological research. Together with LIV, we are laying the foundation for a targeted gene therapy against HTLV-1.”
Dr. Dr. Ulrike Lange, Head of the “Genomics of Retroviral Diseases” group at LIV:
“HTLV-1 is an often underestimated global health threat. This collaboration enables us to translate scientific insights directly into the development of innovative therapies.”
Supporting innovation at Hamburg’s life science hub
Dr. Carsten Lohmann, Head of Innovation Funding at IFB Hamburg:
“We wish PROVIREX and LIV great success with this technically ambitious lighthouse project. We are pleased to support this work and strengthen Hamburg as a location for life science innovation.”
The TheraImmun project exemplifies the mission of PROFI Transfer Plus: funding strategic research partnerships to tackle major health and biotech challenges—regionally anchored and globally relevant.
