New data has been published indicating the potential of a new vaccine technology being developed by Australian biotechnology company Vaxxas.
The data published in PLoS Medicine indicates the high-density and dose sparing capabilities of Vaxxas’ game HD-MAP technology has greater efficacy for one-sixth the dose of standard needle/syringe injections using influenza vaccine.
The patch-based HD-MAP technology has the potential to be a self-administered form of drug delivery with data indicating an enhanced immune response compared to standard delivery via a needle or syringe.
Vaxxas said the HD-MAP technology is stable for up to 12 months at temperatures as high as 40oC. This could reduce the cost and complexity of cold chain management with the potential to deliver vaccines to areas where refrigeration is unreliable or even non-existent.
The company is now exploring self-administration through a new clinical trial. The could also be advantageous for remote communities and in situations such as a pandemic response. Vaxxas will also trial the technology for measles and rubella vaccination.
Vaxxas is being backed by local venture capital firms, OneVentures and Brandon Capital, as well as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
