Through first-in-human clinical studies, this joint Innovate UK award will progress the clinical development of Stablepharma’s main product, SPVX02, a fridge-free vaccine for the prevention of Tetanus and Diphtheria.
“This is a great endorsement of the work our R&D team are doing to achieve Stablepharma’s vision of making fridge-free vaccines a reality’, said Özgür Tuncer, CEO & Executive Director. ‘As we know, there are vast challenges within the global cold chain which hinder the efficient distribution and storage of vaccines. ‘Tetanus, for example, remains an important global public health concern. For example, in some countries we see low immunisation rates and a lack of provision of tetanus booster vaccinations which leads to a lack of protection in thesepopulations throughout their lives”, added Özgür.
The clinical studies for the SPVX02 vaccine will be overseen by University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust’s Professor Saul Faust OBE. ”According to Professor Faust, if the project is successful, there will be no need for cold-chain storage or transportation of vaccines, which will have significant advantages that will ultimately expand the accessibility of safe and effective vaccinations to patients around the world.
The StablevaXTM technology platform from Stablepharma transforms already-approved vaccinations into refrigerator-free status. Pre-dosed and thermostable vaccinations will be developed, removing the need for the frequently unreliable cold chain and ensuring safe, effective, and waste-free distribution.
“As we progress towards first-in-human clinical trials for SPVX02, we are delighted to welcome Dr Karen O’Hanlon to the Stablepharma team as Head of Clinical Development’, said Özgür. ‘Karen, having been VP of Clinical Operations for Boyds, our long-term regulatory advisor, will lead the clinical development of SPVX02 with Professor Faust”.
Stablepharma Ltd recently announced that it will commence a pre-IPO bridge-funding round in Q4 2023 to progress the launch of SPVX02 (Td), a second fridge-free vaccine SPVX06 (Tetanus mono) and their mRNA research programme. “Although these are challenging times economically, we continue to see an increased level of interest from investors, shareholders, partners and vaccine manufacturers in our fridge-free vaccine technology, StablevaX™”, said Özgür Tuncer.
Stablepharma’s R&D team have identified up to 60 vaccine candidates that could be suitable for StablevaX™ technology.
