Dyadic International received a $4.5 million grant from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to explore using their C1 fungal technology for faster, more cost-effective vaccine development. The research, conducted by Fondazione Biotecnopolo di Siena (FBS), will compare C1’s efficacy against traditional mammalian cell methods in producing a SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The goal is to potentially reduce vaccine development timelines to just 35 days, aligning with CEPI’s 100 Days Mission.
This development has significant implications for global health security. The current 4-6 month timeframe for vaccine development using mammalian cells is a critical bottleneck, particularly during pandemics. C1’s potential to dramatically shorten this timeline, while also potentially reducing production costs and facilitating regional manufacturing in less developed areas, represents a major advancement in pandemic preparedness. This could significantly improve the world’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to emerging infectious diseases, making vaccines more accessible globally.
CEPI awarded the grant to FBS for proof-of-concept research using Dyadic’s C1 technology. The research will compare the structure and immunogenicity of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein produced by both C1 and mammalian cells. If the C1-produced antigen proves comparable, the project will move to testing an antigen from a pathogen of particular interest to CEPI, further validating the shortened development timeline. This research emphasizes the potential of C1 to become a crucial tool in rapid vaccine development and manufacturing.
This funding marks a substantial step toward achieving the 100 Days Mission and transforming vaccine development. If the C1 technology proves successful, it could revolutionize how vaccines are produced, making them faster, cheaper, and more accessible worldwide. This holds immense promise for combating future pandemics and strengthening global health security by enabling a more rapid and equitable response to emerging infectious disease threats.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
