UQ and Vaxxas Win $2M Prize for Innovative mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Patch

January 14, 2025
UQ and Vaxxas Win $2M Prize for Innovative mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Patch
  • The HD-MAP technology offers significant advantages over traditional syringe vaccinations, including reduced cold-chain storage requirements and the potential for self-administration.

  • UQ's BASE facility has been a leader in mRNA research and development since its launch in 2021, providing comprehensive services for mRNA vaccine development.

  • By minimizing the need for cold-chain storage, this technology addresses a major challenge in the distribution of mRNA vaccines.

  • The collaboration between UQ and Vaxxas aims to advance HD-MAP technology towards preclinical studies for Vaxxas' mRNA COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

  • Professor Timothy Mercer, UQ BASE Director, noted that the prize will enhance the thermostability of mRNA vaccines, improving their availability in low and middle-income countries.

  • Dr. Deborah Pascoe from Vaxxas emphasized the importance of their collaboration with UQ in advancing the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

  • The BARDA Patch Forward Prize, supported by the US Department of Health and Human Services, is one of the largest incentive prizes, with submissions accepted through 2026 for further stages.

  • They are among four Concept Stage winners in a larger US$50 million initiative aimed at commercializing microneedle patch vaccines for various diseases.

  • The prize will accelerate Vaxxas' high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP) technology, enhancing the delivery of mRNA vaccines produced at UQ's BASE facility.

  • Founded in 2011, Vaxxas is dedicated to improving vaccine performance through its HD-MAP technology, focusing on applications in infectious diseases and oncology.

  • The HD-MAP consists of thousands of microprojections that deliver a vaccine dose directly to immune cells under the skin, potentially improving vaccine accessibility.

  • The University of Queensland (UQ) and Vaxxas have been awarded a US$2 million prize as stage winners of the BARDA Patch Forward Prize for their innovative patch-based mRNA vaccine for COVID-19.

Summary based on 3 sources


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