Anivive Lifesciences announced in August 2024 that it has been awarded a contract worth up to $33 million by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). This supports the development of a vaccine against the Coccidioides fungus, which causes Valley Fever. Anivive’s animal health Valley Fever vaccine for dogs is currently under review by the USDA Centre for Veterinary Biologics, and the science behind this project will be used to develop a similar vaccine for humans. The funding will address IND-enabling activities and an IND submission before a human Phase I clinical trial.
Valley Fever
Coccidioides is a dimorphic fungus that appears on the 2022 WHO list of fungal priority pathogens that demand increased attention and investment. The fungus is in the soil of arid regions in the Western Hemisphere; when the soil is disturbed the fungus becomes airborne and can be inhaled. Infection with Coccidioides causes Valley Fever, which most frequently affects the lungs. However, it can spread to other areas, such as the bones, eyes, or nervous system, particularly in dogs.
Anvive’s research
Anivive is supported by Valley Fever Centre for Excellence at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Recipharm, Quigley BioPharma, and Latham BioPharm group. The vaccine in development has the potential to be the “first vaccine for a systemic fungal infection – in any species”. Dr Edward Robb, Anivive Lifesciences Chief Strategy Officer and Principal Investigator, is “honoured” to receive the NIAID contract, which will “greatly accelerate our efforts to commercialise a vaccine to protect people against Valley Fever”.
“This collaborative effort has delivered a significant step forward in the field of vaccinology and holds the potential to be the first vaccine to prevent a serious systemic fungal infection common to humans and animals.”
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