The Need

The current demand in the market is for a safe and effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccine that can induce both antibody and T cell responses. The traditional understanding of antibody-based immunity is incomplete, as virus-infected cells are eliminated with the help of T cells. To combat SARS-CoV-2 effectively, it is crucial to develop vaccines that can trigger both types of immune responses and specifically target the respiratory tract, the primary entry point of the virus. Additionally, the use of traditional injectable vaccines may not be sufficient as they do not induce enough mucosal antibodies to prevent virus replication and shedding in the respiratory tract.

The Technology

Our innovative technology addresses these challenges by utilizing a nanoparticle-based vaccine delivery platform. The vaccine consists of SARS-CoV-2 antigen associated with nanoparticles, encapsulating the spike protein (S) and the nucleocapsid protein (N) or their antigenic fragments. This composition allows for improved immunogenicity of otherwise weak antigens, effectively protecting them from degradation and ensuring efficient uptake by immune cells.

Commercial Applications

1. Intranasal COVID-19 Vaccine: The technology enables the development of an intranasal vaccine that can directly target the respiratory tract, providing better protection against viral entry and replication in the mucosal epithelial cells.

2. Broad Immune Response: The nanoparticle-based vaccine induces both systemic and mucosal immune responses, resulting in the production of virus-neutralizing sIgA and IgG antibodies, crucial for preventing infection and dissemination.

3. Long-term Protection: By eliciting strong antigen-specific T cell responses, the vaccine contributes to long-term protective immunity, reducing the severity of symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Benefits/Advantages

1. Enhanced Immune Activation: The nanoparticle platform significantly improves the immunogenicity of weak antigens, leading to a more potent and effective immune response against SARS-CoV-2.

2. Targeted Delivery: By delivering the vaccine intranasally, it directly targets the site of viral entry, offering a more efficient defense against infection.

3. Genetic Variants Protection: The vaccine's ability to induce cross-reactive responses helps protect against genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2, which is crucial in controlling future outbreaks.

4. Vaccine Dose Sparing: The coadministration of antigen and adjuvant in the nanoparticle allows for lower vaccine doses while maintaining high levels of immunity, making the vaccine more cost-effective and accessible.

By utilizing this groundbreaking technology, our intranasal nanoparticle vaccine holds immense potential to provide comprehensive protection against SARS-CoV-2, revolutionizing the fight against the pandemic and supporting global public health efforts.