Protein Sciences Corporation this week announced that they have been awarded a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for the development of a next generation adenovirus vaccine.
Adenovirus infection is a major cause of acute respiratory disease in U.S. military recruits. The existing vaccine is effective but contains live wild type adenovirus that is capable of being transmitted to others.
Under this award, Protein Sciences will apply its proprietary BEVS platform technology to develop a protein-based vaccine designed to protect against the two major types of adenovirus, Types 4 and 7, without using live adenovirus.
“We are very pleased to be working with the DoD to develop a modern adenovirus vaccine,” said Indresh Srivastava, Vice President of Process and Analytical Development at Protein Sciences and Principal Investigator of the grant. “Adenovirus affects a large population every year, and our BEVS platform is well suited to address the challenges associated with the existing vaccine. This program is yet another way that we are continuously working to save lives and improve health.”
Adenoviruses are common causes of respiratory illness. The incubation period is typically 4-5 days after which people who become infected experience high fever, cough, nasal congestion, headache and chest pain typically lasting 3-10 days.
Source: Protein Sciences, adapted.
