UQ and Vaxxas Win $2M Prize for Innovative mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Patch
January 14, 2025
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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UQ News • Jan 14, 2025
UQ and Vaxxas win prize to advance patch-based mRNA COVID-19 vaccine
News-Medical • Jan 14, 2025
UQ and Vaxxas win global prize to accelerate patch-based mRNA vaccine for COVID-19
Mirage News • Jan 14, 2025
UQ, Vaxxas Win Award to Advance Patch-Based mRNA Vaccine