Australian venture to explore new animal vaccine delivery
It is hoped the agreement between the university and Bio Farma will lead to the development of an adjuvant, which could increase the effectiveness of vaccines for a range of infectious diseases in animals, including Hepatitis C, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type B.
Research on the project is being led by the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Melbourne, headed by Professor David Jackson. Previous studies from the team have shown that a synthetic TLR2 agonist-based adjuvant could enhance immunity, as well as protect animals from viral and bacterial infections.
Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne Professor James Angus said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with the Board of Bio Farma and its scientific team in relation to developing a novel vaccine platform, which could lead to better and more efficacious vaccines against infectious diseases.
“This agreement reflects the desire for research at the University of Melbourne to be translated into impact and recognises the importance of collaboration with leading vaccine companies to achieve this goal,” he added.
Bio Farma president and director Iskandar explained the company was proud to be working with the University of Melbourne and was optimistic the agreement would “enhance” Bio Farma’s research capacity.
He said: “Hopefully, in the future, it will lead into a real contribution in the prevention of communicable disease in the world.”
The University’s commercial engagement service company made the agreement possible and, under the proposed deal, the University will also receive research funding to further evaluate and develop the proof of concept.
