The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) is searching for new ways to deliver vaccines, and to do so, it has found four partners in research: Esperovax, Inc., the University of Connecticut, Vaxess Technologie, and Verndari, Inc.
The two options being investigated through these partnerships are a wearable skin patch or oral method of vaccination. Both have the potential to reduce dependency on needles and syringes and thereby reduce the strain on the manufacturing supply chain. These could also broaden the potential for self-administered vaccines, expanding the range of available care settings throughout the country.
The University of Connecticut, Vaxess, and Verndari will all explore the Micro Array Patches option, developing a vaccine delivery system that uses a microneedle patch worn on the skin.
“We are excited to partner with BARDA to further develop Verndari’s VaxiPatch technology, which holds the promise of making vaccines more accessible and affordable while accelerating vaccine development for existing and emerging infectious diseases,” Dr. Daniel Henderson, Verndari CEO, said. “When we founded Verndari, Inc., we set about to transform the entire vaccination process. Our delivery model offers a viable alternative for COVID-19 vaccines, and we are proud to be among the innovators working to solve the global health crisis.”
Esperovax is opting for an oral cellular delivery technology known as Egress RDTM mRMA. Using its new oral vaccine platform, the company hopes to create an immunization option that would allow for self-administration of vaccines at a fraction of the traditional cost.
BARDA will support each effort through development, optimization of materials, and demonstration of product.