Early versions of Novavax's HIV virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine were successful in triggering immune responses in preclinical studies. However, Novavax recently discovered a way to optimize the expression of the HIV- 1 envelope, which is a principle target for immunity in humans.
“A major scientific challenge we face is the genetic diversity of HIV. A VLP-based vaccine for HIV has the potential to be highly immunogenic due to the particle nature of the vaccine and, because its structure is correct, could lead to a vaccine protective against a much wider diversity of viruses,” said Dr Gale Smith, Novavax's vice president of Vaccine Development.
“After demonstrating immunogenicity in preclinical studies with our VLP vaccines for influenza, we are eager to develop VLP vaccines against other infectious diseases,” said Novavax president and CEO Dr Rahul Singhvi.