This technology was developed using paramyxoviruses as a core for building a virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine. Parts of the virus are used as a backbone for constructing potentially safer and more effective vaccines.
Virus-like particles mimic a natural virus but do not contain a virus’s genetic material required for replication or infection. When inoculated into the body, these particles have the ability to trigger strong immune responses that are capable of protecting against viral infection.
“This agreement substantially expands our ability to create VLP vaccines for a much broader array of viral disease targets,” said Novavax president and CEO Dr Rahul Singhvi.
“We have already created VLP vaccines for a number of diseases, including both seasonal and pandemic influenza, using our current technology based on the influenza M1 protein. We now have this additional tool available to our scientists to construct other VLP vaccines.”
Under terms of the agreement, Novavax will make an upfront cash payment to the University of Massachusetts Medical School. In addition, the company will make certain payments based on development milestones as well as future royalties on any sales of products.