Development of needle-free COVID-19 vaccine underway in Mulgrave
Frontline vaccine development to fight the COVID-19 virus is taking place in Monash with Biotech company Technovalia, dedicated to the research and development of innovative vaccines and diagnostics, based at the Eastern Innovation facility in Mulgrave.
The company is working on several important trials, including a needle-free COVID-19 vaccine called Covigen.
Technovalia is developing Covigen with an international partner, Thailand-based BioNet-Asia.
The needle-free DNA vaccine penetrates the skin via an injector using a narrow stream of fluid that goes through the skin in about 0.1 seconds. This delivery allows the vaccine to enter the cells, which then triggers an immune system response.
The Covigen vaccine is currently being tested in a Phase 1 trial with participants in New South Wales, Western Australia and South Australia and with the support of the Australian government’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Technovalia CEO and founder Laurent Dapremont said it was an exciting time for the company and, depending on the trials, the Covigen vaccine could be manufactured and available for use in Australia in 2022.
Mr Dapremont said the partnership was also trialling a vaccine for registration and use in Australia for pertussis (whooping cough) called Pertagen. Currently the vaccine for whooping cough contains diphtheria and tetanus antigens as well, but there is a need for a monovalent pertussis vaccine (pertussis only) for maternal immunisation.
Mr Dapremont said he values Eastern Innovation’s supportive environment, which fosters an ecosystem of innovation in Monash that allows many collaborative opportunities with like-minded companies and academic institutions.
He said the Monash area was very important for start-up companies, including Technovalia.
“For our company the affordable, flexible rent and access to a dry or wet lab at Eastern Innovation is vital, as well as the proximity to Monash University and CSIRO for collaborations and access to high tech facilities,” he said.
“Technovalia is six years old, but like typical biotech we do not have revenue yet. We are still investing and seeking funding and support because we believe in the long-term.”
Eastern Innovation CEO Danielle Storey said Technovalia is an example of the world-class innovation happening in Monash.
“Under Laurent’s direction and determination, Technovalia is pushing the boundaries of innovation,” Ms Storey said.
“Laurent never gives up, he keeps moving forward and finding a way and the results will be so important for people’s health, innovation and biotechnology in Australia.”
For more information go to Technovalia and Eastern Innovation