Lentigen and PATH form partnership

PATH will initially invest $3 million over 27 months and work with Lentigen on early-stage development of a H5N1 virus-like particle (VLP) prototype pandemic influenza vaccine.

VLPs are self-assembling particles that can be made in cell culture, avoiding the need to rely on limited egg supplies for vaccine production. The Lentigen process may have unique advantages by producing high yields of VLPs in a portable and disposable manufacturing system.

Tim Ravenscroft, CEO of Lentigen, said: “The rapid development, production, and distribution of pandemic influenza vaccines could potentially save millions of lives in parts of the world that may not otherwise have access to an effective vaccine. We are excited to be working with PATH and applying Lentigen’s VLP technology to combat one of the major infectious disease threats to the human population.”