Biotech Orgenesis has launched its new cell-based vaccine platform targeting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes COVID-19, as well as other viral diseases such as Zika, West Nile Virus, Yellow Fever, Dengue Fever, MERS, HCV and Cytomegalovirus infection (CMV).
Orgenesis has been working aggressively the last few months to repurpose its cell-based vaccine platform targeting solid tumours for use against viral diseases.
The cell-based vaccine platform utilises irradiated permissive cells (human or non-human, infected with a high titre virus or transfected with viral antigens), which then activate endogenous dendritic cells. In turn, these cells activate CD4+T cells and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. CD4+ cells activate humoral immune response via B cells, which generate neutralising antibodies, while CD8+ cell mount cytotoxic immune response against virus-infected cells.
This cellular vaccine platform represents the culmination of extensive research and development already undertaken that leverages the company' development and manufacturing expertise within the cell and gene therapy sector.
Orgenesis believes this new vaccine platform offers a unique approach to cell vaccination that holds promise for an affordable and reproducible vaccine for both COVID-19 and other viral diseases.
The company is moving forward with planned animal testing for its cell-based vaccine platform in COVID-19 and looks forward to providing a more detailed timeline of activities including plans for initial human testing, assuming clearance from the FDA and/or other non-US regulatory bodies to do so.
Orgenesis has not yet submitted any such plans or data to the FDA or any other regulatory body.