CEPI announced in February 2024 that it is providing LenioBio with funding of up to US$2 million to provide preclinical proof-of-concept that a commercially available, plant-based, and cell-free technology can produce proteins to be used in vaccine trials for epidemic and pandemic threats in 20-40 days. Using LenioBio’s ALiCE technology, the ambition is to reduce the time required to manufacture vaccine proteins with “more traditional methods” like cell cultures.
ALiCE
LenioBio’s Almost Living Cell-Free Expression (ALiCE) uses the protein production machinery of plant cells to rapidly express proteins in a “cell-free” reaction. It is a lysate derived from Nicotiana. Tabacum c.v. BY-2 root cells, prepared through removal of the cell wall and other unnecessary components to leave the machinery and mitochondria.
ALiCE has a “proven” track-record of producing various types of proteins used in the development of vaccines and other medicines, but the latest funding will enable further testing of to see if it can support “rapid manufacture of vaccine clinical trial material”.
Speedy processes and easy access
CEPI states that the speed potential offered by LenioBio’s technology could facilitate the 100 Days Mission. Ingrid Kromann, Acting Director, Manufacturing and Supply Chain described this potential as a “game-changer”.
“This study will explore whether ALiCE can support the rapid and scalable development of viable protein-based vaccine candidates and move these promising candidates more quickly into clinical trials, pushing forward our goal to achieve the 100 Days Mission.”
Furthermore, ALiCE is easy to use, which means that it could be enabled in remote or low-resource settings to ensure that vaccines reach the people who need them most. The technology could also reduce carbon emission levels due to a “small operational footprint”.
André Goerke, CEO at LenioBio, looks forward to the study, a “great opportunity to demonstrate the significant potential” of the platform.
“This project supports our goals of enabling accelerated discovery and development of essential medicines and brings us a step closer to our long-term vision of creating fast access of essential medicines for patients.”
Could this be the way forward in vaccine testing? If vaccine technologies and investment in innovation are of interest to you do join us at the Congress in Washington this April or subscribe to our newsletters.
