Ethris, a Germany-based biotech company, has received $5 million to create a nasal RNA vaccine.
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) granted the award to the company for its development of a “spray-dried” RNA vaccine.
According to CEPI, the development could “make RNA vaccines more accessible and help to end future disease outbreaks faster.”
Spray-drying involves “rapidly drying liquid with hot gas” and is frequently used in asthma treatments, CEPI explained. “A spray-dried RNA vaccine could provide room-temperature stability and simplify distribution. Further, the nasal administration could help to achieve mucosal immunity which scientists believe is key for reducing virus transmission,” the award’s release said.
“Spray-drying for RNA-based vaccines could make them more practical and accessible similar to the established standards in respiratory medicine,” Christian Plank, Chief Technology Officer at Ethris, said in a statement. “With CEPI’s support, we aim to demonstrate the feasibility of spray-drying for RNA formulations, enabling vaccines to remain stable at room temperature while allowing for simpler, needle-free administration. If successful, this approach has the potential to transform vaccine delivery and accessibility on a global scale.”
Both CEPI and Ethris have ties to the Gates Foundation.
CEPI received a $300 million award from the Gates Foundation in 2022 to develop “next-generation” COVID-19 vaccines, while Ethris received $5 million to “support the advancement of the company’s lead mRNA-based product candidate, ETH47.”
The former Biden administration’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) similarly launched a $500 million effort to develop vaccines administered as a nasal spray and pill.
Former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said at the time that in order to “better prepare for future public health crises,” the government must find “new ways to administer vaccines to make it even easier for everyone to protect themselves from illness.”
“We are making progress on the development of cutting-edge treatments, such as vaccines administered as a nasal spray or as a pill. The Biden-Harris Administration won’t stop until we have the next generation of innovative vaccines, therapeutics, and other tools to protect against COVID-19, or any other pathogen that could threaten the American public,” he said.
