Protecting the world from future coronaviruses
CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations)
We want to stop future epidemics by developing new vaccines for a safer world.
Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic was first identified, a major new CEPI investment could help to prepare the world for a future pandemic threat emerging from the coronavirus viral family.
CEPI has awarded Canada’s University of Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) a $17 million grant to continue its development of a pan-sarbecovirus vaccine. This broadly protective vaccine is designed specifically to protect against multiple types of potentially deadly coronaviruses, like SARS-CoV-1 as well as SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind the COVID-19 pandemic. If successful, the vaccine will be tested in a Phase I clinical trial.
Unlike traditional vaccines, broadly protective vaccines are designed to provide immunity against many related viruses or pathogens, including future variants that are not yet known. Broadly protective vaccines, like the one VIDO is developing, aim to safeguard everyone—reducing illness, preventing hospitalisations, and protecting livelihoods.
Speaking earlier this week at a media briefing, CEPI’s Executive Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response, Dr Nicole Lurie, said, “VIDO’s vaccine could serve as a ‘holy grail’, helping to stop a future outbreak in its tracks. By acting now, we can get ahead and ensure the world is never again hit by a coronavirus pandemic.”
A regionally led approach to accelerate access to future Lassa fever vaccines
The newly formed Lassa Fever Governing Entity met for its inaugural meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, this month. Its members include Ministers of Health across key Member States, including Benin Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone, as well as senior representatives from CEPI, West African Health Organisation (WAHO), WHO and WHO African Region.
The pioneering group will take a regionally led approach to oversee the new Lassa fever Coalition that is set to play a pivotal role in speeding up the development of Lassa fever vaccines and ensuring that they are made equitably available across affected countries.
The first meeting was hosted by WAHO in collaboration with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, with CEPI support.
Lassa fever remains a persistent threat to the West African region, affecting hundreds of thousands each year. But by working together and in coordination with one another through efforts like the Lassa fever Coalition and Governing Entity, it will be possible to change its path and reduce the devastation caused by this virus.
Other R&D and manufacturing news
CEPI is providing $6.2 million to researchers at Afrigen Biologics, who will work with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) to progress an mRNA Rift Valley fever vaccine candidate through preclinical development and into Phase I clinical testing in people in either South Africa or another outbreak-affected country on the continent.
CEPI has partnered with Micron Biomedical to advance research into an innovative device that could deliver vaccines to the body through a button-like technology and help to overcome vaccine access challenges. The new research will also explore its potential to be combined with a rapid-response platform designed by CastleVax to quickly deliver vaccines in response to outbreaks of novel viral threats.
CEPI partner Vaxxas announced that it will join with SK bioscience to advance an mRNA vaccine against Japanese Encephalitis Virus, delivered using Vaxxas’ vaccine patch, towards a Phase I study. The heat-stable technology consists of thousands of microscopic projections moulded into a small patch and could help to overcome the cold-chain barriers that hinder access to mRNA vaccines.
The 100 Days Mission 4th implementation report – how close are we?
Each year, the International Pandemic Preparedness Secretariat (IPPS) publishes an implementation report tracking how the 100 Days Mission is progressing across vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics.
Highlighting CEPI’s leading role in the 100 Days Mission for vaccines, IPPS’s fourth annual report found some “encouraging progress” overall but also stressed that “significant work remains” and warned: “The clock is ticking”.
➡️ Read the full IPPS report to see how the 100 Days Mission is progressing across vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics
Eight years of CEPI
Eight years ago, CEPI was launched at Davos as an "insurance policy" against emerging infectious disease threats. Our vision then, as it is now, is to create a world where epidemics and pandemics no longer pose a threat to humanity.
Alongside our partners, we’ve achieved a lot since then, including advancing multiple vaccines into first-ever Phase I and II trials, strengthening systems in support of equitable access, and galvanising the world to embrace the 100 Days Mission.
But the world cannot afford complacency. We must continue to invest in solutions that can catch disease outbreaks sooner and deliver pandemic-busting vaccines faster than ever—to everyone who needs them.
CEPI thanks everyone who has joined us on the journey so far as we work towards a future where pandemics are no longer a threat to humanity.
The Viral Most Wanted…
This month put a magnifying glass to four virus families that make up The Viral Most Wanted. From the cancer-causing Papillomaviruses and Polyomaviruses to the Parvoviruses and Hepeviruses, which pose a particular risk of death to vulnerable populations like pregnant women—learn more about these pernicious families in the latest instalments of The Viral Most Wanted.
100 Words On… Lassa fever
Lassa fever virus—first identified in 1969 in Nigeria—is typically spread to humans by multimammate rats. While the majority of cases are asymptomatic, those with symptoms can suffer from mild headache, fever, vomiting, swelling, and bleeding from body parts. On average, 1% of cases are fatal. Cases of Lassa fever occur regularly in West Africa and its reach may expand across the African continent and beyond as climate change and population growth exacerbate Lassa’s spread. CEPI is supporting an active portfolio of three Lassa fever vaccine candidates, including one which has entered Phase II clinical trials—a world first.
🔉 Open Calls for Proposals
📚 Reading corner
📺 Tune-in
Richard Hatchett, CEPI’s CEO, talks with Nigeria’s ARISE TV about the threat of Lassa fever and the need for a collaborative, regionally led approach to ensure vaccines against the disease can be made equitably accessible across West Africa, where the disease is endemic. Watch the full interview:
At this year’s Davos, Dr Hatchett also had the chance to partake in a panel discussing the purpose of science. He highlighted how existing research into other coronaviruses helped the world develop COVID-19 vaccines faster than ever. Preparatory research like this will be key for responding to future pandemic threats. Watch the panel session here.
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Reframing Oxygen Therapeutic | BHOC & SkinAI & Sugardown | C-Level Biotech Strategist | Biological Hemoglobin Oxygen Carrier
8moAn important aspect of early detection of new viruses is the need for innovation in this field, including new physico-chemical methods. For example, AI-based technology and non-invasive methods can play a crucial role, as early detection is key to preventing future pandemics
Life can be simpler, easier and happier ;)
8moDear CEPI Did you consider, how wide "coverage" this novel broad vaccine CAN REACH? Have we learned the inEQUITY of "interventions" in our Global Health ... the HAVEs and have nots :( Hope you take this into consideration!
Head of Technology (Recruitment) - Cavendish Professionals
8moVaxart, Inc.covid pill vaccine has already shown to be cross-reactive to the coronavirus family and has gone into ph2 trials. Why does CEPI seem to be ignoring the only vaccine platform that can help you reach the 100 day vaccine mission??
President @ InMicro Indoor Air Inc | US Patented diffuser
8moA safe approach is to inactivate virus in the air before people ingest it. https://scentinel.ca/vapour-technology-for-infection-control/