A new vaccine adjuvant for rapid deployment during future outbreaks
CIHR awarded Falzarano $200,000 to advance the development of a novel combination adjuvant―a component added to vaccines that helps promote the right kind of immune response.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Falzarano and his team developed a protein subunit vaccine candidate formulated with this combination adjuvant. Preclinical research demonstrated this adjuvant boosted the immune response and importantly was able to provide protection in the upper respiratory tract―a characteristic that could help reduce virus transmission.
“This project will identify vaccine formulations that will optimize immune responses, stability, and ultimately protection,” said Falzarano. “It will advance the commercial readiness of a promising new vaccine adjuvant and help ensure it is available for the rapid deployment of future infectious disease threats.”
Falzarano will use synchrotron technology at USask’s Canadian Light Source to advance the characterization.
