SciTransfer
RBDCOV · Project

Next-Generation Protein-Based COVID-19 Vaccine for Vulnerable Populations and New Variants

healthPilotedTRL 7

Imagine a vaccine that works like a high-resolution photo of a virus's 'key' to enter cells, teaching the body to block it. Instead of using a live virus, it uses a lab-made protein piece that is safer and easier to handle. It's designed to be a booster that can be quickly updated whenever the virus changes its look.

By the numbers
350
children in paediatric trials
240
immunosuppressed adults in trials
11
industry partners
The business problem

What needed solving

Existing COVID-19 vaccines often exclude high-risk groups like immunocompromised adults and children from Phase III trials. There is also a need for a flexible vaccine platform that can be quickly updated for new variants without starting from scratch.

The solution

What was built

A recombinant protein vaccine (BIMERVAX®) based on an RBD fusion heterodimer and an adaptable manufacturing platform for variant-specific doses.

Audience

Who needs this

Vaccine manufacturersPublic health agenciesSpecialized immunology clinicsBiotech CDMOs
Business applications

Who can put this to work

Pharmaceuticals
enterprise
Target: Vaccine Manufacturer

If you are a vaccine manufacturer dealing with the need for non-mRNA alternatives — this project developed a recombinant protein platform that allows for the creation of vaccines against Alpha and Beta variants. This provides a diversified product pipeline for different patient needs.

Healthcare Providers
mid-size
Target: Specialized Pediatric and Immunology Clinics

If you are a clinic dealing with patients who cannot take standard vaccines — this project tested the BIMERVAX® vaccine on 350 children and 240 immunosuppressed adults. This offers a validated safety profile for high-risk groups.

Biotechnology
any
Target: Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO)

If you are a CDMO dealing with the demand for scalable protein-based therapies — this project enhanced manufacturing capabilities for recombinant RBD fusion heterodimers. This demonstrates a viable path for large-scale European production.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What is the cost or price of the vaccine?

Based on available project data, there is no information regarding the specific cost or pricing of the vaccine.

Can this be produced at an industrial scale?

Yes, the project involved 11 industry partners and specifically mentioned that manufacturing capabilities were enhanced during the second reporting period.

What is the IP or licensing status?

Based on available project data, the vaccine is developed by HIPRA and referred to as BIMERVAX®, but specific licensing terms are not provided.

How does it handle new virus variants?

The platform is adaptable and was used to develop formulations for emerging variants, including Alpha and Beta strains.

What is the regulatory status in Europe?

The project aims to manufacture and test the first recombinant protein-based vaccine to be authorized in Europe.

Consortium

Who built it

The consortium is heavily industry-weighted with 11 companies (55% ratio), including 3 SMEs, which suggests a strong drive toward commercialization. With 20 partners across 6 countries (DE, ES, IT, TR, UK, US), the project leverages a broad international network of 7 research entities and 2 other organizations to bridge the gap between lab research and market entry.

How to reach the team

Contact HIPRA SCIENTIFIC SL in Spain

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Contact us to explore licensing opportunities for the BIMERVAX® protein platform.

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