In December 2023 CEPI announced that it has partnered with Korea’s Chungbuk National University (CBNU) to “advance development” of the university’s self-amplifying mRNA vaccine technology. This partnership is part of CEPI’s efforts to prepare the world for future epidemic and pandemic threats, including Disease X, in “pursuit of the 100 Days Mission”.
mRNA: a pivotal enabler
CEPI describes mRNA technology as a “pivotal enabler” of rapid outbreak management thanks to the critical role it played in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. CEPI will provide CBNU with up to US$1 million seed funding to support the evaluation of immune responses and efficacy of their mRNA technology in preclinical models.
This support will enable CBNU to trial the platform against avian influenza H5N1 virus. Findings will provide a model to assess the technology and explore its use in rapid responses. The technology does not only potentially accelerate future outbreak responses but could enhance accessibility to mRNA vaccines as the self-amplifying design instructs the body to replicate the mRNA. This increases the protein that is produced and reduces the amount of antigen, which means fewer vaccine doses will be needed and cost is reduced. Furthermore, cost reduction is also achieved in the “distinctive” CBNU vaccine design, which replaces the 5’cap with an “alternative modification”.
Improving access
Dr Richard Hatchett, CEPI’s CEO, reflected that although mRNA technology “transformed our response” to the pandemic, “we must now invest in promising novel innovations that capitalise on mRNA’s transformative qualities to provide more effective responses”. Dr Hatchett hopes the partnership will offer advantages to “improve access” for the future.
ChangSeop Koh is President of Chunbuk National University, and is “extremely proud and excited to collaborate with CEPI” on the “groundbreaking project”.
“This partnership highlights the innovative capacity of Chungbuk National University’s research and places us at the forefront of global efforts to respond to future pandemics.”
The technology “provides higher efficiency” but demands lower cost in terms of manufacturing materials, which “promises to bring significant changes” in vaccine development.
“We are dedicated to using our expertise and resources to make a significant impact in the global fight against infectious diseases.”
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