GeoVax Labs, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company, has announced the commencement of a research program to assess the immunogenicity and stability of its GEO-MVA vaccine when delivered through Vaxxas' high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP) platform. This preclinical study, conducted at the University of Queensland, aims to validate a thermostable, self-administered vaccine platform that could significantly impact pandemic preparedness and global immunization strategies.
The study focuses on the immune responses, delivery efficiency, and thermostability of GEO-MVA formulated for HD-MAP administration in mice. The HD-MAP technology offers a needle-free approach to vaccine delivery, targeting the skin to potentially enhance immunogenicity and eliminate the need for refrigeration. This innovation could lead to more accessible and effective vaccines, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where cold chain logistics pose significant challenges.
David Dodd, Chairman and CEO of GeoVax, highlighted the program's potential to expand the versatility of the company's MVA platform, emphasizing the benefits of needle-free delivery, including increased patient acceptance, higher immunogenicity, and the elimination of sharps waste. The success of this study could pave the way for the development of a vaccine that is not only easier to distribute and administer but also more effective in eliciting immune responses at lower doses.
The Vaxxas HD-MAP platform has already shown promise in enhancing immunogenicity in various studies, and partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and government entities are advancing its development. GeoVax's recent favorable scientific advice from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) further supports the potential for expedited development and approval of GEO-MVA as an Mpox vaccine candidate in the EU.
This research represents a significant step forward in addressing global health challenges by making vaccines more accessible, easier to administer, and more effective. The implications of a successful needle-free, self-administered vaccine are vast, offering a solution to many of the logistical and psychological barriers to vaccination worldwide.
