Aeterna Zentaris Announces Evaluation and Potential Development of an Oral Prophylactic Bacterial Vaccine Against COVID-19 Through Exclusive Option Agreement with Julius-Maximilians-University Wuerzburg - Seite 2

Prof. Thomas Rudel of the University added: “Our new vaccine technology based on the live-attenuated Salmonella Typhi Ty21a strain modified to present two viral antigens, opens the opportunity for a new oral vaccination strategy which may have the potential to prevent people from infection with SARS-CoV-2. In addition, the use of dual antigens in one vaccine strain, may lower the likelihood of evolution of resistant viral mutants. We believe that a positive decision by Aeterna Zentaris to license this technology will start a fruitful collaboration with Aeterna, with the aim to begin the clinical development as soon as possible.”

About the University’s Potential COVID-19 Vaccine

The technology underlying the new vaccine approach is based on the bacterium Salmonella Typhi Ty21a which has been engineered to express and secrete two coronavirus antigens fused to an immunological adjuvant peptide. The plasmid-maintenance system is free of antibiotic resistance genes. The specific bacterial vector strain enables oral application and release of the proteins into the gut system which will consequently via M-cells stimulate mucosal and systemic immunity.

The Salmonella Typhi Ty21a carrier strain has been safely used worldwide in more than 150 million administered doses. Some of those existing vaccine products have been shown to be stable at fridge temperature of 2°C to 8°C. While the use and characteristics of the University’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate remain to be demonstrated through further preclinical and clinical studies, the goal is to develop an oral dosage form COVID-19 vaccine that can be stored in a common fridge or at room temperature.

About COVID-19

COVID-19 is the disease caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, and was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. 

Globally over 102 million cases and over 2.2 million deaths are reported since the start of the pandemic. Currently, there are no definite approved therapies endorsed by the World Health Organization for COVID-19, focusing only on supportive care and preventive immunization.

About Aeterna Zentaris Inc.

Aeterna Zentaris Inc. is a specialty biopharmaceutical company commercializing and developing therapeutics and diagnostic tests. The Company’s lead product, macimorelin, is the first and only U.S. FDA and European Commission approved oral test indicated for the diagnosis of adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD). Macimorelin is currently marketed in the United States under the tradename Macrilen through a license agreement with Novo Nordisk where Aeterna receives royalties on net sales. According to a commercialization and supply agreement, MegaPharm Ltd. will seek regulatory approval and then commercialize macimorelin in Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Additionally, upon receipt of pricing and reimbursement approvals, Aeterna expects that macimorelin will be marketed in Europe and the United Kingdom through a recently established license agreement with Consilient Health Ltd. and Aeterna will receive royalties on net sales and other potential payments.