Vaxxas, a clinical-stage biotech company, is developing a heat-stable, dried-formulation mRNA vaccine delivered via its microarray patch (HD-MAP) with a US$4.8 million grant from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). Preclinical studies showed promising results, with the mRNA remaining stable at various temperatures for extended periods. Vaxxas will partner with SK bioscience to advance a Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) mRNA vaccine toward Phase I trials.
This development is crucial because current mRNA vaccines necessitate ultra-cold storage, hindering access in less-developed regions. Vaxxas’s technology could overcome this hurdle by eliminating the need for this stringent cold chain, potentially revolutionizing global vaccine distribution, particularly in remote areas with limited infrastructure. The ease of application could also reduce the need for extensive training for healthcare professionals and might even allow self-administration.
This collaboration signifies a key milestone in the advancement of mRNA vaccine technology. The development work with the JEV candidate is anticipated to be applicable to other mRNA vaccines delivered by lipid nanoparticles, offering a platform approach for human trials. The partnership with SK bioscience also builds on a prior collaboration funded by Wellcome, focusing on a typhoid conjugate vaccine.
This progress suggests a future where mRNA vaccines are more readily available worldwide. The potential for simplified storage, transport, and administration, coupled with the potential for self-administration, could transform global vaccination efforts and improve pandemic preparedness. The success of this program could democratize access to these crucial medical advancements and drastically reshape the landscape of vaccine delivery.
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.
