HOOKIPA Pharma (NASDAQ:HOOK) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing immunotherapeutics designed to harness the body’s immune system to prevent and treat infectious diseases and cancer. Leveraging proprietary virus-like vesicle (VLV) and modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vector technology platforms, HOOKIPA engineers targeted immune responses by delivering antigens directly to antigen-presenting cells. Its lead programs include prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine candidates against cytomegalovirus (CMV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as investigational immuno-oncology products designed to stimulate tumor-specific immunity.
Since its founding in Vienna in 2009, HOOKIPA has advanced multiple programs into human clinical trials, forging collaborations with academic institutions and industry partners. The company operates research and development laboratories in Austria alongside clinical development and corporate functions in North America, reflecting its commitment to global vaccine innovation. Through preclinical studies and early-stage trials, HOOKIPA has demonstrated favorable safety profiles and immunogenicity, positioning its platforms for broader applications in both infectious disease prevention and therapeutic cancer interventions.
Central to HOOKIPA’s strategy is its VLV platform, which combines elements of live-attenuated vectors with the safety advantages of non-replicating systems. This approach enables robust T-cell and antibody responses without the risks associated with traditional live vaccines. The MVA vector platform further complements these efforts, offering a well-characterized backbone with a long history of clinical use. Together, these technologies underpin HOOKIPA’s pipeline diversification and long-term vision of creating next-generation immunotherapies.
HOOKIPA’s leadership team brings extensive expertise in virology, immunology and biopharmaceutical development. Through strategic partnerships, disciplined clinical execution and a pipeline spanning both preventive and therapeutic modalities, the company aims to address significant unmet needs in global health. With ongoing trials in Europe and the United States, HOOKIPA continues to advance toward regulatory milestones while exploring new indications that could benefit from its innovative vector platforms.
