Joint R&D work is beginning with the Bayer subsidiary Icon Genetics on a novel production approach. Antigens are to be produced for the first time in tobacco plants which along with AmVac’s adjuvant MALP-2 are to be developed into an efficient new generation of flu vaccines. The research unit for the preclinical work is being opened at the Parco Scientifico e Tecnologico in Catania, Sicily.
By switching the production base to plants, the magICON technology patented by Icon Genetics reportedly enables shorter expression times compared with current methods. By using the high-potential adjuvant MALP-2, AmVac can make a decisive contribution to developing a new influenza vaccine, the company said.
Melinda-Kinga Karpati, CEO of AmVac, said: “We anticipate that this collaboration with Bayer’s Icon Genetics will bring us rapid results for the joint project and for our Malp-2 adjuvant. Our goal is to achieve preclinical results with our highly motivated team locally as soon as possible and to prepare effectively for any clinical trials.”