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New integrated platform for immune diagnosis and vaccination for COVID-19

Viravaxx

The project has been launched by Viravaxx and the Medical University of Vienna

20 Apr 2020
Edward Carter
Publishing / Media

Industry news

Viravaxx, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Vienna, Austria, has announced the launch of a project with the Medical University of Vienna for combating COVID-19.

In this project an integrated immunodiagnostic and vaccination platform for COVID-19 will be created. Based on the partners‘ novel microchip technology platform, a microarray is composed, on which the structural proteins of the SARS-CoV-2-virus in glycosylated and non-glycosylated form as well as certain relevant fragments of the proteins and a library of overlapping peptides from virus proteins are represented. This microarray – thereby covering the whole proteome of the virus – allows high resolution mapping of antigenic determinants eliciting an immune response following infection.

Furthermore, an ELISA assay capable of analyzing the interaction of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with its receptor is established. In a clinical study, which has already received ethics approval and will start very soon, sera from convalescent COVID-19 patients will be tested for virus neutralization capacity and for epitope mapping. 200 patients with mild and 200 patients with severe course of the disease will be enrolled and compared to 200 healthy controls.

These data and pseudonymized clinical records using machine learning algorithms contributed by the Technical University of Munich (Prof. Jan Baumbach) will be correlated to derive antibody signatures. Both tests together are expected to deliver reliable results about the development of protective immunity.

These signatures and the identification of epitopes eliciting a virus neutralizing antibody response will enable the design of vaccine candidates using our proprietary PCFiT- (peptide-carrier-fusion) platform. These vaccines will be tested for immunogenicity in animal models, and the immune response will be analyzed with our microarray and the neutralization ELISA. They will subsequently be moved to clinical testing in the shortest possible timeframe.

Rainer Henning, Viravaxx’ CEO, comments: “In the current devastating COVID-19-pandemic, two major demands are on everybody’s mind. First, there is an urgent need for serological assays which effectively identify protective immunity, so that already immune people can get back to work and social interactions. This test should also allow measurement of herd immunity established in the broader population. Second, a potent vaccine is required, which reliably confers lasting immunity, so that vaccinated people will be protected from future waves of SARS-CoV-2-infections. We at Viravaxx work to answer these demands with our integrated platform. We are very keen to help people around the world to get their normal life back after the pandemic.”

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ELISAEnzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), also known as enzyme immunoassays (EIA), are used for the detection and quantification of proteins, peptides and antibodies in a sample. ELISA often comes in kit format, with pre-selected antibody pairs to detect specific proteins or biomarkers of diseases such as diabetes and obesity, or cardiovascular and neurological disorders. Detection is made possible with chemiluminescent, fluorescent or colorimetric substrates and detection instruments such as microplate / ELISA readers. Other kits available include: Enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assays for the quantification of protein-producing cells and chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIA) kits. Find the best ELISA kits and products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.Vaccine DevelopmentVaccine development focuses on creating immunizations to protect against infectious diseases. The process involves identifying antigens, developing and testing vaccine efficacy, and ensuring safety through preclinical testing and multiple clinical trial phases. Scientists use various approaches, including weakened or inactivated viruses, protein subunits, or mRNA. Advanced platforms and rapid diagnostic tools aid in vaccine research and testing. Explore vaccine development solutions in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, read reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers. CoronavirusCoronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases like COVID-19. Research into the biology, transmission, and treatment of coronaviruses has become a global priority, particularly since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2. Understanding the virus�s structure and behavior is essential for developing vaccines, diagnostics, and antiviral treatments. Explore our peer-reviewed product directory to discover the latest research tools, diagnostic tests, vaccines, and treatments for coronavirus, compare products, read reviews, and receive pricing directly from manufacturers.

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New integrated platform for immune diagnosis and vaccination for COVID-19