University of Oxford strikes key agreement in MenB vaccine development
The University of Oxford has formalised a new licence of technology agreement with the Serum Institute of India (SIIPL), the world’s largest manufacturer of vaccines.
Together they’re developing a novel solution for meningitis B (MenB) disease.
The new partnership, negotiated by Oxford University Innovation, will deliver lifesaving protection against MenB through the production of a chimeric protein-based vaccine.
Chimeric vaccines involve the substitution of genes from the target pathogen with similar genes in a safe but closely related organism.
Simon Warner, head of licensing & ventures – life sciences at Oxford University Innovation, said: “The MenB vaccine agreement with the Serum Institute of India is another example of vaccine innovation at the University of Oxford.
“Oxford’s commitment and investment to develop efficacious, deployable vaccines will protect millions of lives and academic licensing and successful commercial partnerships that help solve global health challenges.”
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) affects millions of children around the world.
After five years of work, SIIPL and the Oxford team at the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, led by Professor Christoph Tang, have formulated a quadrivalent vaccine consisting of four chimeric proteins to tackle MenB – one of six serogroups which causes IMD.
Preliminary results expected later this year indicate that the Oxford-SIIPL MenFive vaccine improves on safety, efficacy and coverage when compared to currently licensed vaccines.
It builds upon the success of MenAfriVac in eliminating MenA disease from sub-Saharan Africa.
Discussions are underway to implement MenFive as a proactive strategy against meningococcal meningitis, aligning with the WHO’s aim to defeat meningitis by 2030.
Adar Poonawalla, CEO of SIIPL, added: “This partnership represents a monumental leap forward in our fight against meningitis, ensuring lifesaving protection reaches those who need it most.”
