Pharmaceutical Business review

Genocea Biosciences, NMRC Sign Agreement To Co-develop Malaria Vaccine

As per the agreement, Genocea Biosciences will receive $2.7m from the US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC) for rapid T-cell antigen discovery using human T-cell screens of a P. falciparum proteomic library.

Genocea will apply its technology to the rapid identification of novel T-cell antigens from a proteomic screen of the P falciparum organism and NMRC will share materials as well as their extensive experience developing subunit malaria vaccines

Staph Leavenworth Bakali, president and CEO of Genocea Biosciences, said: “This CRADA validates our proprietary T-cell-directed antigen discovery platform technology and further strengthens our position as a leader in novel vaccine development against pathogens with a high unmet medical need.

“Our technology is uniquely suited to rapidly identifying antigens in the very large and complex P falciparum proteome that will be most likely to stimulate broad immune protection. We look forward to working with NMRC to identify such antigens that will lead to a safe and effective vaccine against malaria both for the Military and also potentially for travelers and populations living in endemic regions.”