ELMSFORD, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TechnoVax, Inc., a biotechnology developer of novel vaccines has received a two-year $1,481,000 SBIR-II grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support TechnoVax program to further develop a broadly protective (universal) virus-like particle (VLP) based influenza vaccine utilizing its proprietary and patented VLP technology. Preliminary efficacy studies performed in animals have shown very high levels of cross-reactive protection.
“We very much appreciate this NIAID grant which provides strong support to our universal influenza vaccine development program. This award further validates our strategy to create not only a new vaccine able to provide high efficacy, breadth and duration of protection (five or more years) but also a manufacturing system utilizing flexible and controllable cell-based production technologies. This will offer invaluable tools to effectively combat the seasonal and potential pandemic threats persistently imposed by the influenza virus globally,” stated Dr. Jose M. Galarza, CEO of TechnoVax, Inc.
Influenza is a major respiratory infectious disease of global reach that affects all demographics and imposes a heavy public health and economic burden. Development of a universal vaccine able to promote immunity that blocks the constantly changing seasonal flu viruses and potentially emerging pandemic strains over time is the most sought outcome to mitigate and even halt the impact of influenza. TechnoVax has been engaged in the mission of creating a universal flu vaccine for many years.
TechnoVax’ VLP technology is a novel way to produce vaccines against dangerous viruses as VLPs contain no infectious material and are highly immunogenic. TechnoVax' VLP vaccine technology uses a rapid, safer and more effective cell-based system for development and production, reducing the time and costs of more traditional vaccine production systems. The VLP vaccine technology is one of the most advanced technologies in the vaccine field. TechnoVax is presently evaluating in preclinical phase vaccines to protect against viral infections such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, flavivirus and others.
About TechnoVax Inc.
TechnoVax is a privately held biotechnology company based in Westchester County, NY and specializes in vaccine development using its unique and innovative VLP platform technology. The company is committed to develop safe and highly effective novel vaccines to address significant unmet medical needs of global impact. Learn more at www.technovax.com
