The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) is providing $5 million to inhaled RNA developer Ethris for development of spray-dried RNA vaccines for nasal delivery. Ethris said that it plans to focus initially on a vaccine against influenza once a successful process is established. Within the past few months, CEPI also provided funding to an Abera project that is developing spray-dried intranasal vaccines in partnership with Orexo.
Ethris has previously received significant investments from Cipla and the Gates Foundation to support development of ETH47 mRNA therapy for the treatment of asthma. The company recently announced plans to advance intranasal ETH47 into Phase 2 development.
According to the announcement, the CEPI funding will go toward automation of an RNA manufacturing process “that simplifies production, reduces costs, and supports rapid, scalable vaccine development” in addition to development of a spray-dried RNA platform for intranasal vaccines. Ethris and CEPI point out that automation will help to make the nasal vaccines more affordable in addition to allowing for more rapid development of new vaccines in response to epidemics.
CEPI Interim Executive Director of Manufacturing and Supply Chain Raafat Fahim commented, “Spray drying techniques and nasal delivery medicines are well established; however, their application to RNA-based vaccines represents an innovative approach. If successful, this method would enhance access to RNA-based vaccines by increasing their thermostability and offering an alternative for individuals with needle phobia. Additionally, it may elicit a more robust immune response and potentially reduce transmission. Collectively, this technology may improve our ability to contain future epidemic or pandemic threats, compared to current RNA vaccines.”
Ethris Chief Technology Officer Christian Plank said, “Spray-drying for RNA-based vaccines could make them more practical and accessible similar to the established standards in respiratory medicine. With CEPI’s support, we aim to demonstrate the feasibility of spray-drying for RNA formulations, enabling vaccines to remain stable at room temperature while allowing for simpler, needle-free administration. If successful, this approach has the potential to transform vaccine delivery and accessibility on a global scale.”
Read the Ethris press release
