Clinical trials begin for flu vaccine-coated Vaxxas patches

Brisbane-based vaccine delivery technology Vaxxas has announced initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial for flu shots administered by the company’s high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP.)

According to a statement from the company on Friday, the trial will take place at three University of the Sunshine Coast’s clinical research sites – in Brisbane, Morayfield and Sippy Down – using a seasonal influenza vaccine quadrivalent (IIV4) candidate made by an unnamed company.

The trial will assess the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of the vaccine candidate among 150 healthy participants aged 18 – 50 (inclusive), which have received no vaccines in the last 30 days and no flu vaccines in the last six months.

Vaxxas CEO David L. Hoey said the needle-and-syringe alternative could potentially increase vaccination coverage and uptake, could be self-administered, and remove the need for a cold train to transport vaccines.

“Vaccine delivered via HD-MAP patch technology removes the need for needle and syringe, is easy to use, and can potentially be self-administered. It also has the potential to simplify distribution by removing or reducing the need for refrigeration,” he said.

“The potential benefits of Vaxxas’ needle-free vaccine platform, supported by clinical trials, are all factors that could improve access to, and acceptability of, current influenza vaccines. This will offer greater protection each season to communities in Australia, and around the globe.”

Vaxxas was established in 2011 and based on research conducted at University of Queensland.

Its delivery platform uses thousands of tiny, micro-moulded spikes coated in dry vaccine, taking advantage of the high amount of immune cells in skin, which mean higher response of antibodies for a given dose, and not requiring a cold chain for storage and transport.

Picture credit: Vaxxas

Further reading

VAXXAS RAISES $34 MILLION FOR CLINICAL PROGRAM, INCREASED OUTPUT

VAXXAS TO BEGIN COVID BOOSTER TRIALS IN ADELAIDE THIS YEAR

VAXXAS AND AIM LAB AUTOMATE VACCINATION SKIN PATCH PRODUCTION