In a significant push towards advancing public health, DIOSynVax, a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Cambridge and San Diego, has announced the formation of a new advisory committee dedicated to the clinical development of next-generation influenza vaccines, which includes those targeting avian influenza. This move comes in light of growing concerns regarding avian flu outbreaks and the potential risks they pose to public health.
DIOSynVax has developed a unique avian flu vaccine that has demonstrated efficacy and safety in animal models, including ferrets, and is now poised for human trials. The vaccine is designed to elicit robust immune responses and offers broad protection against various high-risk viral strains, specifically those that could emerge from human cases of avian flu. With the recent report of the first human death from avian flu in the United States, the urgency to prepare for a possible human outbreak has never been greater.
The company's advancement is underpinned by its innovative "Digital Immune Optimized Synthetic Vaccine" technology, poised to leverage artificial intelligence for the swift development of safer and more robust vaccines against contemporary viral threats, as well as for future challenges.
Previously during the COVID-19 pandemic, DIOSynVax pivoted its focus to utilize its computational technology in the creation of a broadly protective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses. Following an extensive assessment of safety and efficacy in animal models, the first Phase 1 clinical trial for this groundbreaking digital vaccine antigen took place at NIHR clinical research centers in Southampton and Cambridge, involving healthy volunteers. Results indicated that the vaccine was safe and well-tolerated, showcasing the potential of DIOSynVax's science.
Dr. Rebecca Kinsley, the Chief Operating Officer at DIOSynVax, emphasized the importance of the trial results, stating, "As we now focus on our flu vaccines, this trial has confirmed the strong safety profile of our Digital-Immune-Optimised Synthetic antigen and its ability to induce broad immune responses. This is a critical step in our ongoing development of supra-seasonal flu vaccines and pre-pandemic avian flu vaccines, with the ultimate goal of a universal flu vaccine."
Additionally, Professor Jonathan Heeney, the Chief Scientific Officer at DIOSynVax, remarked, "The outcomes of this clinical study using our technology lay the groundwork for the advancement of our flu vaccine. This approach offers multiple advantages, including enhanced safety, reduced vaccination frequency, and the capacity to anticipate emerging viral strains. We look forward to advancing our mRNA-based flu vaccine candidates and expediting proof of concept in the coming months."
Alongside the announcement of the clinical trial, DIOSynVax revealed the establishment of its new advisory committee, which is comprised of leading experts from the pharmaceutical and academic sectors. This committee is tasked with providing critical insights that will propel the company's flu vaccine candidates toward clinical trials and market readiness.
Dr. Ronald Moss, the CEO of DIOSynVax, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the advisory committee's formation: "We are excited to have such an eminent advisory board to guide our efforts in bringing our vaccines to market and forging strategic partnerships. Our innovative approach holds great promise for both public health and commercial viability, and we are committed to accelerating its development as a vital countermeasure against future pandemics. Our avian flu vaccine offers several advantages over existing options and should be a key tool in mitigating the risks associated with the current pandemic threat."
For further details about DIOSynVax and the new advisory committee, please visit
DIOSynVax's website.
About DIOSynVax: DIOSynVax is at the forefront of clinical biotechnology, aiming to develop universal vaccines using cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies. The company's mission focuses on providing extensive protection against a wide array of infectious diseases, particularly emerging viral threats that could lead to future pandemics.
For further inquiries, please contact JP Morgan or Ron Moss, CEO, via email at [email protected]
For information regarding COVID-19, refer to the
CDC website.
Regarding the H5N1 virus (avian influenza), this virus continues to pose a significant public health threat, especially if it undergoes mutations that allow human transmission. For more information, consult the CDC's situational report on H5N1.