University of Oxford strikes key agreement in MenB vaccine development

Published by

Daniel Face

Image: Oxford University Innovation

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.”

Daniel Face

Born and raised in Berkshire, Dan fell into journalism after completing his bachelor’s degree in English at UCL. Writing for The Business Magazine and local Biz News sites has given him the opportunity to chat with all manner of small business owners and share their success stories with a wider audience. Outside of work, Dan enjoys live music, board games and quiz shows, and is making a slow but persistent effort to learn Spanish.