The pan-influenza universal vaccine clinical candidate will benefit from a combination of biotech and pharma expertise.
Biotechnology company Centivax, which develops broad-spectrum vaccines, has partnered with CRO Emery Pharma to accelerate the development of a pan-influenza universal vaccine clinical candidate.
Centivax will leverage Emery’s analytical/bioanalytical testing and microbiology experience to develop a potency release assay for GMP batches of Centi-Flu.
“We are proud to support Centivax’s efforts by providing the critical testing needed to confirm efficacy at the earliest stages,” said Emery CEO Dr Ron Najafi.
“Our collaboration will help streamline the path from research to clinical development, ensuring that these vaccines are backed by robust scientific validation."
Emery will establish a mass-spectrometry based comprehensive Centi-Flu expression and in-vitro potency assay. The assay will serve as the definitive bath release assay required for validating manufactured vaccine doses to be used in the clinic and post-approval doses.
"Having a partner to conduct rigorous in-vitro development of our batch release potency assay is crucial for the immediate need of initiating clinical trials of our first universal vaccine candidate, and in the long term in further accelerating our vaccine development,” said Centivax CEO Dr Jacob Glanville.
The partnership will help to ensure batches of Centi-Flu are released with consistency.
“Emery’s expertise will ensure that we release a quality and consistent universal vaccine product, capable of generating broad and durable immunity to al flu, every time,” said Glanville.
The partnership also supports follow-on universal vaccines from the Centivax antibody and T-cell epitope focussing platform.
Emery has previously partnered with companies to accelerate the approval of biotherapeutics, such as its collaboration with GenNext Technologies.
