The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has awarded up to $5 million to Nagasaki University to advance a groundbreaking 'nanoball' mRNA vaccine platform that could revolutionize pandemic preparedness. The funding will support preclinical studies investigating whether this next-generation technology can overcome critical limitations of current mRNA vaccine delivery systems.
Novel Delivery System Addresses Storage Challenges
Nagasaki University researchers have developed an innovative approach where mRNA is encased in nano-sized, negatively-charged particles rather than the traditional lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) used in current mRNA vaccines. This fundamental shift in delivery mechanism could address significant accessibility barriers that have limited mRNA vaccine deployment.
Traditional mRNA vaccines require ultra-low temperature storage to maintain the integrity of their lipid nanoparticle shells, creating substantial logistical challenges for distribution in remote areas and low-resource settings. The nanoball technology could potentially be freeze-dried and stored for extended periods at either refrigerator or room temperature, eliminating complex cold-chain requirements.
"The fragile mRNA pieces are encased in 'fatty shells', known as lipid nanoparticles or LNPs, which can result in poor vaccine stability," according to the research description. The nanoball approach aims to overcome these stability issues while improving mRNA delivery to cells and potentially eliciting stronger immune responses.
SFTSV as Initial Target Pathogen
The initial research focus will target severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), an emerging tick-borne pathogen from the Phenuivirus family that poses a serious public health threat in Japan and wider East Asia. The project will incorporate artificial intelligence technology from NEC OncoImmunity (NOI) to analyze candidate proteins for vaccine development.
"We are confident that our advanced AI technology will play a pivotal role in designing a vaccine for the severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), a deadly tick-borne pathogen with high mortality rates," stated Dr. Saverio Niccolini, Chief Executive Officer of NEC OncoImmunity.
Pandemic Preparedness Applications
The nanoball platform's potential extends far beyond SFTSV, with researchers emphasizing its adaptability for rapid response to future pandemic threats. If successful, the technology could be quickly modified to develop vaccine candidates against other pathogens, including novel or unidentified 'Disease X' threats that could cause serious epidemics or pandemics.
The research directly supports the 100 Days Mission, an ambitious international goal spearheaded by CEPI and endorsed by G7 and G20 nations to develop vaccines against new viruses with outbreak potential within three months of pathogen identification.
"We don't know when or when the next Disease X will strike – but we know that it is coming," said Dr. Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI. "As the COVID-19 pandemic shows, we need to be more prepared and act more quickly when responding to an emerging threat. We are delighted to be working with our partners in Japan to carry out this new research looking at whether Nagasaki University's 'Nanoball' technology could provide an improved mRNA delivery vehicle, thereby offering faster and more effective vaccine protection in an outbreak."
Global Health Equity Implications
The technology's potential for room temperature storage could significantly expand vaccine access in low- and middle-income countries that lack the infrastructure necessary for ultra-cold storage and distribution of current mRNA vaccines. This advancement could help address global health equity concerns that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Professor Takeshi Nagayasu, President of Nagasaki University, emphasized the institution's commitment to global pandemic preparedness: "We are delighted that our SFTSV vaccine, developed using Nagasaki University's proprietary nanoball technology, can contribute to CEPI's efforts and the global 100 Days Mission pursued by leading nations. Rapid vaccine development is crucial in preparing for future pandemics, and we are proud that our research can play a role in this initiative."
The preclinical studies will focus on composition optimization of the nanoball particles, which are covered under Nagasaki University's intellectual property, while leveraging NOI's AI capabilities for protein analysis and vaccine design optimization.
