The University of Queensland (UQ) announced in November 2023 that its “re-engineered clamp platform” has produced a vaccine that is “equally safe and virus-neutralising” as an approved vaccine “considered among the best in its class”. This technology was identified by CEPI as worthy of investment, committing up to AU$8.5 million last year to support development for use in disease prevention.
An exciting reward
The results of a preliminary clinical trial are described by the project leader, Associate Professor Keith Chappell, as an exciting reward for the team’s dedication to the project.
“We compared second-generation clamp SARS-CoV-2 vaccine head-to-head with TGA-approved Nuvaxovid, and the two were found to be functionally equivalent.”
Furthermore, while the two vaccines produced “highly comparable results”, there were no new COVID-19 infections among the Clamp2 volunteers, while 3 cases were detected among Nuvaxovid recipients to date.
CEPI’s approval
As we noted almost exactly a year ago, CEPI recognised the technology as a promising investment, and has therefore reacted positively to the UQ update. Dr In-Kyu, Director Programmes and Innovative Technology at CEPI, believes that advancing vaccine platforms like this clamp technology is crucial for preparing to respond to emerging infectious threats.
“CEPI is striving towards vaccines being developed within 100 days of a new virus emerging: a goal known as the 100 Days Mission. I look forward to the continued progress of this cutting-edge technology.”
UQ emphasises that the partnering agreement and CEPI’s equitable access policy will be followed to ensure that vaccine candidates produced using this platform technology will be available in an outbreak situation to “populations at risk including in low-income and middle-income countries”.
The next stage of health for Queensland
The technology will now progress to the next phase with UQ’s commercialisation company UniQuest licensing the technology to Vicebio, which is “progressing its use against respiratory pathogens”, said Associate Professor Chappell. UQ states that this progress has been supported by the Queensland and Australian Governments and partners. Queensland Deputy Premier, Steven Miles, is proud of Queensland’s leading role in vaccine research.
“Advances in medical technology play a key role in bettering the health of Queenslanders throughout the state, and the Palaszczuk Government is committed to backing manufacturing here – made in Queensland by Queenslanders.”
We’re thrilled that Associate Professor Chappell will be joining us at the Congress in Santa Clara next week to share more insights into his work. To join us there, get your tickets here! If you can’t make it do subscribe for further updates.
