The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded a contract to the Fraunhofer USA Center for Molecular Biotechnology in support of developing next-generation anthrax vaccines.
The work will be done with a proprietary platform under research license from collaborator iBio, Inc. The technology utilizes transient gene expression in unmodified green plants for production of biologics.
“The award of this contract to Fraunhofer is an important expression of confidence in the importance of our iBioLaunch and iBioModulator technologies,” said Terence Ryan, iBio’s Chief Scientific Officer. “We believe that our portfolio of highly protective anthrax vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, along with this expanded anthrax initiative, will generate significant commercial interest in other novel applications of our technology.”
The first year of funding will be $1.76 million with a total contract amount of up to $9.9 million if all options are exercised.