OSLO: In a significant step towards global health preparedness, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has joined forces with Pune-based Gennova Biopharmaceuticals to propel the advancement of their self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) platform.

This innovative collaboration aims to develop vaccine candidates to counter potential unknown pathogenic threats, colloquially referred to as 'Disease X'. CEPI highlights that the urgency of preventing Disease X from infiltrating and rapidly disseminating within the global populace has reached unprecedented levels.

Under this groundbreaking partnership, CEPI has committed up to $3.6 million to facilitate the optimization of the saRNA-platform technology, including refining the production process and enhancing yield. The overarching goal is to craft a vaccine candidate targeting the rabies virus, a member of the Rhabdoviridae virus family, for subsequent preclinical evaluations. By subjecting the vaccine candidate to assessment against this well-known virus, which possesses recognized correlates of protection, CEPI aims to validate the underlying principles of this novel technology.

Dr. Melanie Saville, Executive Director of Vaccine R&D, expressed the significance of RNA-vaccine advancements in the context of both past and potential future pandemics. She highlighted the pivotal role RNA-vaccine technology played in tackling Covid-19 and emphasized CEPI's commitment to supporting emerging RNA vaccine technologies, ensuring swift and equitable access when combating Disease X.

The saRNA vaccine approach involves incorporating genetic information from a specific group of viruses into the saRNA alongside the target antigen. This configuration instructs host cells to generate multiple saRNA copies, enabling self-amplification. Gennova's distinctive contribution to this technology lies in the CLNE delivery system, which contrasts with the lipid nanoparticles utilized by many mRNA vaccines. Gennova's approach involves attaching RNA molecules to fatty molecule surfaces, forming a nanoemulsion. This innovation streamlines vaccine candidate manufacturing, making it scalable and easily transferable between manufacturers if required.

Of note, Gennova had previously developed two mRNA-based vaccines for Covid-19, both of which received emergency use authorization in India, thereby validating the platform's efficacy. Dr. Sanjay Singh, Chief Executive Officer of Gennova, expressed enthusiasm about the funding agreement with CEPI and underscored the collaboration's broader scope in fostering vaccine equity and accessibility.

The partnership between CEPI and Gennova stands as a testament to the global commitment to preemptively combat potential health crises through cutting-edge vaccine technologies. Together, they aim to fortify humanity's defenses against 'Disease X' and contribute to a safer and more resilient world.