Merck and NanoBio will conduct preclinical studies to evaluate a vaccine combining Merck’s respiratory syncyctial virus (RSV) antigen with NanoBio’s NanoStat adjuvant. NanoBio has already conducted studies that showed the induction of immunity by a NanoStat-adjuvanted RSV vaccine “without eliciting the enhanced respiratory disease that has caused other RSV vaccine candidates to fail. If the new studies prove successful, Merck will have the option to negotiate a non-exclusive license for use of NanoStat in a commercial RSV vaccine. No RSV vaccine is currently available.
NanoBio Founder and CEO James R. Baker commented, “We are very pleased to enter into this collaboration with Merck. RSV remains a major cause of serious lung infections in children and the elderly. We look forward to working together in an effort to advance RSV vaccine research. ”
The NanoStat adjuvant consists of an oil-in-water nanoemulsion. According to the company, “The unique aspect of products derived from the company’s NanoStat technology is that, unlike currently available therapies, NanoBio’s treatments are selectively toxic to microbes while non-irritating to skin and mucous membranes.”
Read the NanoBio press release.
