In Driving Business Growth Through Collaborative Innovation and Technology

A*STAR’s Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) and Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI) are collaborating with Hilleman Laboratories, a joint venture between Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC (MSD) and Wellcome Trust, to develop a circular RNA (circRNA) vaccine based on A*STAR's cirRNA and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technologies for Nipah virus, a highly pathogenic virus with an epidemiology across many countries in Asia. This partnership not only aims to tackle a high-mortality infectious disease but also validates circRNA as a next-generation vaccine platform that offers advantages over traditional mRNA vaccines.

The Challenge: Enhancing Vaccine Accessibility and Stability

Nipah virus, identified as a World Health Organisation (WHO) priority pathogen, poses severe public health risks due to its high fatality rate (40-75%) and absence of approved treatments. Existing mRNA vaccines face major challenges, including:

• Cold Chain dependency: Requires deep-freeze storage, limiting access in developing regions.
• Short-lived immune response: Frequent booster doses are needed to maintain immunity.

Cost and distribution barriers: Complex logistics hinders affordability and large-scale deployment.

The Solution: Circular RNA as a Game-Charger

Unlike traditional mRNA vaccines, circRNA offers greater structural stability, making it more durable at standard refrigerator temperatures (2-8°C), reducing cold-chain reliance. It also provides a longer-lasting immune response, potentially reducing the need for booster doses.

New Targeted LNP Design Enhancing Vaccine Delivery While Reducing Liver Accumulation

Current LNPs lack targeting capability and are typically composed of four lipids, including a PEGylated lipid. While PEGylation improves stability, it also leads to liver accumulation, potentially causing hepatotoxicity with repeated use.

BTI's newly designed LNP replaces the PEGylated lipid with a biodegradable amphiphilic lipid conjugated to a ligand that specifically targets antigen-presenting cells (APCs). This targeted approach enhances vaccine efficacy while minimizing liver accumulation. By efficiently delivering circRNA vaccines, our next-generation LNPs provide a safer and more effective alternative to conventional formulations, paving the way for improved vaccination strategies.

The technology can transform vaccine development, particularly for low-and middle-income countries where storage and distribution challenges limit vaccination efforts.

The Impact: Strengthening Global Vaccines Preparedness

The success of this collaboration will have far-reaching implications:

• Global Health Security: circRNA vaccines can improve pandemic preparedness by enabling rapid vaccines development for emerging diseases.
• Affordable Vaccine Access: Lower production and distribution costs make it viable for resource-limited regions.
• Singapore's Biotech Leadership: Strengthens Singapore's position as a vaccine R&D and manufacturing hub.

 "We believe the collaboration with A*STAR will bring us closer towards establishing circular RNA as a platform that would enable the development of many vaccines to meet urgent global public health needs and address issues such as thermostability and potentially eliminate the need for complex cold chain requirements for more effective prevention and management of disease outbreaks," shared Dr Raman Rao, Chief Executive Officer of Hilleman Laboratories.

Unlock Opportunities Through A*STAR Collaborative Commerce Marketplace (ACCM)

Do you want to accelerate your biotech innovations and develop cutting-edge healthcare solutions like Hilleman Laboratories? Their collaboration with A*STAR's GIS and BTI is advancing circRNA vaccine technology to tackle global health challenges. Through the A*STAR Collaborative Commerce Marketplace (ACCM), you can unlock your opportunities.

ACCM connects businesses with A*STAR's research institutes, specialised clusters, cross-disciplinary and a broad network of ecosystem partners. By tapping into this expansive ecosystem, companies can co-develop groundbreaking solutions, drive innovation and stay competitive in the evolving biotech landscape.

Fostering Innovation: Call to Companies for Future Trends Exchange

A*STAR embraces a culture of knowledge exchange and invite companies to share future trends. Join us in making an impact! Register HERE

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