CEPI awards $36 million Lassa virus vaccine contract to Profectus BioSciences, Emergent BioSolutions

Profectus BioSciences, Inc. and Emergent BioSolutions Inc. acquired a contract for up to $36 million from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) this week to drive the creation of a Lassa virus vaccine.

The three parties are operating under a Framework Partnering Agreement that will see Profectus gain $4.3 million in funding from CEPI for the first phase of vaccine advancement, with options up to a total investment of $36 million over the next five years. Emergent will support those efforts with technical and manufacturing support and would license assume control of development activities for the Profectus vaccine. All will have the support of the non-profit PATH organization for clinical development.

“Lassa fever continues to be a threat to public health in many parts of West Africa and has clearly demonstrated its potential to cause severe epidemics,” Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, said. “In view of its epidemic potential, the World Health Organization has identified Lassa virus as a priority pathogen that needs further research and development. But despite the urgent need, no approved vaccine against the virus is currently available.”

Each year, between 100,000 and 300,000 cases of Lassa virus infection emerge. Endemic to Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria — with Nigeria currently facing its largest documented outbreak — Lassa virus can spread through rat-contaminate food or household items, as well as human-to-human contact. It can cause an acute viral hemorrhagic illness.