THD NewsDesk, London: Enesi Pharma in partnership with the University of Adelaide will develop a new thermostable solid dose DNA vaccine for the Zika virus. The vaccine will protect pregnant women and unborn children from any congenital effects.
Enesi’s ImplaVax formulation expertise will create the Zika virus DNA vaccine. In a strong portion, it will lodge a transcutaneous delivery through a needle-free device. With the help of the researchers from the University, it would enhance vaccine potency. It will provide thermal stability with safe and swift vaccination to the down sided population both geographically and economically.
DNA and RNA vaccines ensure great potential in fighting many diseases which is evident through the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. It requires essential thermostability challenges and an end-to-end cold chain to maintain the potency of the vaccine. Enesi’s ImplaVax technology addresses these challenges by creating needle-free solid dose vaccines. These are thermally stable at temperatures up to 40 C. It would further eliminate the need for cold chain storage and distribution.
AUD 1.35 million and the University facilitate the development of a novel thermostable solid dose of Zika virus DNA vaccine to Phase 1 clinical trials.
The Programme is being funded with AUD 675,500 from the following institutions-
- Australian governments biomedical translation bridge (BTB) programme
- Additional funding from Enesi Pharma
- The Hospital Research Foundation
- Adelaide Enterprise Commercial Accelerator Scheme
- The University of Adelaide’s faculty of health and medical sciences.
Zika is a mosquito-transmitted ‘flavivirus’ currently spreading in the Americas and Asia. It causes microcephaly (a birth defect where the infant’s head is smaller than regular). Many other defects are transmitted from infected mothers. These defects have no medical solution. Disabilities are lifelong and dreadful. Zika also causes Guillain–Barre Syndrome in adults. No vaccine or therapy is available to prevent infection.
The Australian Government’s Biomedical Translation Bridge program is delivered by Australia’s Industry Growth Centre. MTP Connect is a step of the Medical Research Future Fund. It focuses on the translation of new technologies, new therapies, and medical devices.
Source- Express Pharma
