Virosomes as a carrier delivery system for mRNA or adeno virus vector based vaccine candidates

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mRNA based vaccines have proven successful in curbing the global COVID-19 pandemic particularly in higher income countries. Current vaccines are formulated in lipid nanoparticles but require a restrictive cold-chain (-15C to-60C) which may be not feasible commercially/ logistically when compared to other subunit vaccines approaches typically stored at 4-8 C. Virosomes are an alternative carrier system commercialised with good safety and efficacy data for Hepatitis A (Epaxal) and Influenza (Inflexal) vaccines.The aim of this project will be to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating candidate mRNA sequences of various sizes into virosomes through different methods including encapsulation, surface linkage and with linkers. The manufacturability, storage stability and infectivity of the virosomes will be evaluated to enable the engineering of an optimal design. This work will have a major impact on the ability to rapidly respond to emerging disease threats. Knowledge gained from this project will also develop valuable tools that may also be applied to other virosome-based therapies, such as gene therapies. This research aligns well the EPSRC Manufacturing the Future Theme, and also the Transforming Healthcare theme.