SpyBiotech signs research agreement with Uni of Oxford for vaccine development

SpyBiotech, an Oxford firm providing novel vaccine platform technologies, has entered into a sponsored research agreement with the University of Oxford.

Together they’ll look to develop a vaccine against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a commonly spread virus which can lead to serious health conditions – including infectious mononucleosis – and is linked to various cancers and multiple sclerosis.

The project will combine the university’s academic research capabilities with SpyBiotech’s proprietary SPYVLP platform technology in order to advance three vaccine candidates targeting EBV and test these in a Phase I clinical trial.

Mark Leuchtenberger, CEO of SpyBiotech, said: “This research collaboration is an important step forward on a commonly spread virus with no currently available vaccines or therapeutics for its prevention or spread.

“Studies have found that EBV triggers a range of very serious health conditions including certain cancers and multiple sclerosis.

“A recent study led by Stanford Medicine and Dr William Robinson notes that 99 per cent of multiple sclerosis patients have EBV antibodies in their blood, indicating prior infection.

“We see a great need for a vaccine against EBV.”

SpyBiotech’s SPYVLP platform is based on a proprietary protein ‘superglue’ technology which binds antigens to vaccine delivery platforms, minimising delivery risk and enhancing immunogenicity and efficacy.

Under the terms of this agreement, SpyBiotech will provide Oxford researchers with access to the SPYVLP platform, and the Oxford team will work to advance the research into a Phase 1 clinical trial to be conducted through the university.

The company is currently conducting a Phase I trial assessing safety and immunogenicity of a vaccine for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV).