QS-21 immune adjuvant

An investigational adjuvant

What is QS-21?

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 licenses with leading pharmaceutical companies, Antigenics’ QS-21 is an integral part of experimental vaccines and treatments for conditions such as melanoma, influenza, malaria and Alzheimer's disease. Antigenics' licensees include GlaxoSmithKline and Janssen Alzheimer Immunotherapy.¹

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

¹Janssen Alzheimer Immunotherapy, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson (J&J), has acquired substantially all of the assets and rights of Elan Corporation, the original licensee of QS-21 for use in neurodegenerative disease vaccines.