Orexo's Positive Data on Powder-Based Intranasal Vaccine
In a groundbreaking announcement, Orexo AB, a Swedish pharmaceutical firm, has revealed promising results from an in-vivo proof-of-concept study focused on a powder-based intranasal vaccine employing their AmorphOX technology. This development marks a vital milestone in Orexo's continuous efforts to broaden the application of their proprietary drug delivery systems.
Conducted in collaboration with Abera Bioscience, a company with over three decades of experience in vaccine development, the study's objective was clear: to verify the effectiveness of mucosal vaccines by merging Orexo’s AmorphOX technology with Abera's patented BERA™ platform. This strategic partnership aims to explore new frontiers in vaccine delivery, specifically for influenza.
Study Highlights
The proof-of-concept study utilized intranasal administration of Abera’s influenza vaccine candidate in rats, testing both a conventional liquid solution and a novel powder formulation created using Orexo's cutting-edge technology. Impressively, both formulations managed to elicit robust systemic antibody responses in serum (IgG) and locally in the nasal passages and lungs (IgA), with no significant differences observed between the two delivery methods.
These results are pivotal, showcasing that the intranasal vaccine has the potential to mitigate the spread of infections while simultaneously preventing disease—a particularly critical advantage in scenarios such as pandemics. The ability to formulate vaccines in powder form via AmorphOX could lead to the creation of cost-effective and stable vaccines that do not require complex cold chain logistics, representing a significant step in vaccine accessibility.
Robert Rönn, Orexo's Senior Vice President and Head of R&D, expressed enthusiasm regarding the findings, stating, “We are pleased by these results providing us with important proof-of-concept data for a vaccine formulated in our proprietary powder-based drug delivery technology AmorphOX. The potential benefits from formulating vaccines in powder form are significant, as they can reach so many more patients worldwide.”
The Benefits of AmorphOX Technology
Orexo's AmorphOX platform is defined by its unique composition—characterized by particles made up of a drug combined with carrier materials, yielding excellent stability and rapid dissolution. This technology has undergone extensive validation through numerous human clinical studies,
proving its efficacy in achieving fast and extensive drug exposure.
Mats Lundgren, Chief Scientific Officer of Abera Bioscience, highlighted the interchangeable qualities of the powder and liquid formulations, underscoring the advantages they provide in pandemic preparedness scenarios. Both delivery methods were shown to preserve the immunogenic properties of the vaccine, offering a tantalizing glimpse into future vaccination processes where logistics can be simplified, thermal stability can be enhanced, and self-administration becomes a reality during mass vaccination campaigns.
A Vision for the Future
As Orexo moves forward, the emphasis will be on leveraging these breakthrough results to advance their portfolio of therapeutic solutions. The potential to produce intranasal vaccines that are both accessible and effective represents a significant development in public health strategies, particularly in the face of increasing global health challenges.
Orexo's commitment to innovative pharmaceutical development, particularly in the areas of opioid use disorder treatments and new vaccine technologies, positions them as a formidable player in the global healthcare landscape. With dedicated teams and partnerships, the company's forward-looking agenda aims to meet pressing medical needs through advanced therapeutic solutions.
For further information about Orexo and their innovative product pipeline, visit
Orexo's official website. Follow their journey as they continue to redefine pharmaceutical possibilities through innovation and collaboration.