TECHNOLOGY SUMMARY

This recombinant vaccine optimises anti-viral host responses, both in mucosal tissue and systemically, using a new adjuvant strategy and delivery regimen. Currently in late preclinical trials, the vaccine shows strong potential for treatment and immunization against HIV. The strategy is a platform technology with applications against other intracellular pathogens.

Primary Application Area: Biotech, Pharma

Technology Development Status: Prototype

FIGURES OF MERIT

Value Proposition: Previous clinical trials have tested two separate vaccine concepts - induction of B cell/antibody responses and cytotoxic T cell immunity. Initially, systemically administered vaccines were designed to generate neutralising antibodies against the HIV envelope protein and were shown to be safe but not protective. T cell responses were induced using recombinant DNA and live virus vector-based vaccines expressing HIV antigens which were safe but also failed to induce effective immunity. Our studies have now indicated that this is likely due to lack of appreciation of the importance of the vaccine vector combination and route of delivery.

Central to the efficacy of our vaccines are three key functions shown to confer protection in HIV elite controllers, and simultaneously induce both T and B cell responses: 1/ unprecedentedly high quality (high avidity with cytokine poly-functionality) killer CD8 T cell responses to Gag/Pol; 2/ high avidity B cell responses to Gag with antibody class switching; 3/ compatibility with protein boosts shown to generate efficacious antibody responses to Env, as seen in the RV144 trial. With the NHP trial due for completion in March 2017, we are seeking partners for Phase I clinical trials planned for 2018/9.

SHOWCASE SUMMARY

Organization Type: Academic/Gov Lab

Showcase Booth #: 523

Website: https://researchers.anu.edu.au/researchers/ranasinghe-c

GOVT/EXTERNAL FUNDING SOURCES

Vetted Programs/Awards: Not applicable

SBIR/STTR Awards: Not applicable

External Funding to Date: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (early proof of concept grant), The Australian Centre for HIV and Hepatitis Virology Research (ACH2), and the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (NHMRC). Current late-stage preclinical trials funded by NHMRC and ACH2.