HHS Halts Funding for Development of Next-Generation COVID Biologics
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has stopped U.S. government funding for the development of next-generation COVID-19 biologics by two companies, GeoVax, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia and CastleVax, Inc. of New York. The project had been funded by Project NextGen, a Biden administration initiative under the U.S. Center for the Biomedical Advanced […]
Fast-Tracked DNA-Based Therapeutic Cancer Vaccine to Be Given to Melanoma Patients in U.K.
Patients in England with advanced skin melanoma are receiving a “revolutionary” new therapeutic cancer vaccine in a National Health Service (NHS) clinical trial that is being used to fast-track the biological to licensure. The vaccine, iSCIB1+—also known as ImmunoBody—is a DNA-based treatment designed to boost the immune system’s ability to target and remember melanoma cells.1 […]
Gates Foundation Awards $8.6 Million to Expand Development of Multi-Dose Pediatric Vaccines Using Novel Adjuvants
On Dec. 5, 2024, formulation technology company VitriVax, Inc. of Boulder, Colorado was awarded a two-year, $3.6 million grant by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help “fund development of a polio vaccine formulation for possible inclusion in combination pediatric vaccines.” “We are honored to be part of the global drive to protect children […]
WHO Names 17 Pathogens as Top Priorities for Global Vaccine Development
A new World Health Organization (WHO) study published in eBioMedicine last week highlights 17 viral and bacterial pathogens that are major sources of endemic disease around the world and that WHO officials believe should be urgently prioritized for vaccine development. The study marks the WHO’s first global effort to systematically prioritize endemic pathogens with epidemic […]
Moderna/Merck’s Combo Melanoma Cancer mRNA Therapeutic May Be Ready Next Year
The CEO of Moderna, Inc., Stephane Bancel, said last week that his company may introduce a new mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) biologic to treat melanoma cancer as early as 2025. Moderna has been working in partnership with Merck, Inc. to develop a mRNA-based shot that targets skin cancer cells. The product, mRNA-4157 (V940), would be […]
U.S. Government Gives Moderna $176 Million to Develop mRNA Bird Flu Biologic
On July 2, 2024, the U.S. government awarded a $176 million contract to Moderna, Inc. for the development of an mRNA H5N1 avian influenza biologic labeled a “vaccine,” as the media reports concerns about bird flu in dairy cows and farm workers in multiple states. The funds from the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development […]