Imagine a high-tech delivery truck that can carry multiple different blueprints for fighting a virus instead of just one. This project uses modified versions of the measles and vaccinia viruses to teach the body how to recognize and stop the deadly Marburg virus. By targeting several parts of the virus at once, it creates a stronger and more flexible shield against different strains.
There are currently no licensed vaccines for Marburg virus, despite its status as a WHO priority pathogen and its expanding geographical range. This creates a critical gap in global health security and high mortality during outbreaks.
Multivalent vaccine candidates using measles virus (MV) and modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vectors expressing up to 3 MARV antigens. A preclinical testing pipeline using human cell co-cultures and non-human primates was also established.
If you are a vaccine manufacturer dealing with the lack of licensed Marburg virus preventatives — this project developed multivalent vaccine candidates using MV and MVA platforms that provide broader protection. This allows for the production of GMP batches ready for phase I clinical trials.
If you are a health agency dealing with the increasing geographical spread of Marburg virus in Africa — this project developed a testing pipeline using human cell co-cultures and animal models to identify the most effective vaccine prototypes. This reduces the risk of failed clinical deployments during outbreaks.
If you are a CRO dealing with the need for high-fidelity efficacy data for filoviruses — this project developed an innovative pipeline using chimeric and avatar mouse models and cynomolgus macaques. This provides a validated methodology for evaluating safety and immunogenicity.
The project is supported by an EU contribution of EUR 7,439,560. Based on available project data, specific unit costs for the final vaccine doses are not provided.
The project aims to produce GMP batches of the best vaccine candidates by the end of the project. This indicates a transition toward industrial-grade manufacturing standards.
Based on available project data, specific patent numbers or licensing terms are not listed, though the project involves a consortium of research institutes and one industry partner.
The project runs from 2023-12-01 to 2027-11-30, with the goal of producing candidates suitable for future phase I clinical trials.
Effectiveness is evaluated through a pipeline including in-vitro human cell co-cultures, immunocompetent mouse models, avatar mice, and cynomolgus macaques.
The consortium is heavily research-driven, consisting of 4 partners across 3 countries (DE, ES, FR). With 3 research institutes and only 1 industry partner (25% industry ratio), the project is focused on high-risk preclinical validation rather than immediate commercialization, though the inclusion of an industry partner facilitates the path toward GMP production.
Contact the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Germany.
Contact us to explore licensing opportunities for the MV and MVA vector platforms.
