A novel adjuvant technology for use in vaccines and in antibody production that gives excellent immune responses with low manufacturing costs, and can be administered by a variety of routes

Technology

Researchers at King's College London have identified a method for using bacterial spores as an adjuvant in vaccine production.  The spores can be prepared at low cost and are easily conjugated to a wide range of antigens.  The resulting vaccines can be delivered orally, nasally or mucosally and generate excellent immune responses.  The spores act as an adjuvant to increase the magnitude and also the affinity of antibodies elicited to a vaccine or co-administered antigen, and have advantages in ease of manufacture and administration. 

The technology is also capable of use as a research tool for generating high-affinity antibodies in animals, such as in the production of monoclonal antibodies in mice.

Market

This technology can be applied in the fields of human vaccines, animal health, and research antibody production.  The primary competing product in the human vaccine market is alum, which is not suitable for mucosal administration.  In the field of antibody production, other adjuvants such as Ribi are difficult to manufacture.

Benefits

The spores are simple and inexpensive to produce, and add stability to vaccine formulations.  They promote an excellent Th2-directed (antibody) immune response, and can be delivered either orally, nasally or systemically.

Preclinical

The use of the spores to improve immune responses is covered by a US patent application that is in examination.

Licensees are sought for this technology.