Oral vaccines
Just-in-time delivery is advantageous for production and distribution facilities of all sizes, including the tiny ones known as living cells. For example, living cells can be used to generate mRNA and encapsulate it in virus-like particles. Thus packaged, the mRNA may be shipped to other cells, including the body’s cells, which accept delivery of the mRNA and use it to guide production of key viral proteins.
Unlike DNA cargo, which may be integrated into the host genome, mRNA cargo limits genotoxic risks. However, mRNA is inherently unstable. When used as a vaccine format, mRNA poses challenges with respect to synthesis, stabilization, packaging, and delivery.
“We have adopted mRNA as a core technology,” says David O’Hagan, PhD, co-founder, president, and CEO, Esperovax. “[We] deliver it orally to reach the intestines, which house 70% of the body’s immune system. Our vaccines work in situ. We synthesize the mRNA moments before it reaches the small intestine immune cells, which then present the patient-built proteins/antigens to the immune system.
“Our proprietary oral vaccine approach should alleviate many of the limitations and logistical challenges faced by mRNA vaccine producers. And taking a pill or gummy is less intimidating than being poked with a needle. We expect this approach will lead to safer, more effective vaccines, and that it will reduce the fear of the vaccination process.”
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