DBV, INRA win research grant to develop pediatric Respiratory Syncytial Virus vaccine

RSV-NanoViaSkin is being developed as a non-invasive and adjuvant-free epicutaneous RSV pediatric vaccine that leverages Viaskin technology.

Viaskin technique, developed by DBV, enables epicutaneous application of the vaccine in the infants.

DBV Technologies chairman and CEO Dr. Pierre-Henri Benhamou said, "We are very proud to announce this new collaboration with INRA and especially the VIM unit. Indeed, this partnership represents undoubtedly a real breakthrough on multiple fronts, notably because two cutting edge technologies are associated to address newborns, a very vulnerable patient population."

The development project includes a study lasting 30 months to deliver a pre-clinical-proof of concept for an efficient and safe pediatric RSV vaccine in various animal models.

The INRA innovation stands around a new immunogenic antigen (N-eF proteins), targeting CTL and neutralizing antibody-mediated immunity to RSV, using well characterized immunogenic nanostructures (Nring) decorated with epitopes from the fusion protein based on patented/published pre-clinical results, carried out by VIM-INRA, according to DBV Technologies.

INRA VIM-U892 scientist and deputy director Dr. Sabine Riffault said, "We believe in the strength of our partnership based upon complementary skills that together will open the way to a new generation of pediatric vaccine delivered via the skin and targeting for the first time RSV bronchiolitis."