iBio Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:IBIO) has announced that it has initiated preclinical immunization trials for its second coronavirus vaccine platform.
iBio commences second COVID-19 vaccine platform trials
The IBIO-201, new subunit vaccine combines different SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-derived antigens with the company’s lichenase booster molecule (LicKM) to achieve an enhanced immune response. LicKM booster is added to the subunit antigen to enhance the possibility of attaining a single dose, lengthy immunity, while at the same time boosting manufacturing capacity via increased potency.
The company’s CEO and co-Chairman Tom Isset indicated that the second coronavirus vaccine program’s launch is symbolic of the flexibility, scalability, and speed the company can achieve. This is through the combination of its plant-based FastPharming System with various technologies in the iBio IP portfolio like LicKM. Isset added that they were delighted to have discovered and developed two unique, promising COVID-19 vaccine programs that have been advanced into IND studies.
Most importantly, the CEO indicated that its plant-based system tends to evade resource-demanding scale-up issues related to conventional manufacturing approaches. As a result, the company will be able to quickly manufacture premium material for millions of doses once they get regulatory approval.
Evidence shows lichenase protein tech to be effective
According to research, the company believes that its lichenase thermostable immunomodulator protein tech can enhance the potency of the subunit vaccines. Peer-reviewed data that was previously published indicated that that the company’s lichenase based vaccine offered full protection against the aerosolized pneumonic plague in primates. Equally, data indicates that the lichenase tech has been important in the application of vaccine candidates targeting yellow fever and anthrax.
The company’s Protein Expression Sciences VP Dr. Sylvain Marcel indicated that soluble antigens have one common challenge, which is the requirement of an adjuvant to enhance immunogenicity. He added that the company’s LicKM technology is capable of attaining a similar immune response as that of a soluble antigen. Interestingly it requires lower vaccine antigen. Therefore this is likely to be very important in minimizing the number of doses of the vaccine that might be necessary to achieve prolonged immunity.
