ExpreS2ion announces 6.7 MSEK EU Horizon 2020 grant for the development of a unique influenza vaccine
Hørsholm, Denmark, March 31, 2020 – Today, ExpreS2ion Biotechnologies ApS (“ExpreS2ion”), a fully owned subsidiary of ExpreS2ion Biotech Holding AB, announces that the international next-generation influenza vaccine consortium INDIGO, led by the University of Amsterdam with ExpreS2ion as a participating member, has been awarded a 10.0 MEUR Horizon 2020 grant from the EU. ExpreS2ion’s participation is directly awarded 0.6 MEUR (approx. 6.7 MSEK) of this grant, which is estimated to be recognised as revenue evenly from H2 2020 through H2 2021.
The grant will support the development of a next-generation influenza vaccine in a large collaboration between public and private R&D organisations from the EU, India, and the United States. The INDIGO consortium plans to carry out the preclinical and clinical development of the project, which contains two novel influenza vaccine concepts, including the application of a novel potent adjuvant by LiteVax BV, the Netherlands, as well as the use of the ExpreS2 platform for antigen production by ExpreS2ion. The aim is to create an influenza vaccine that meets the requirements of global vaccination, i.e. to achieve <10% instead of 60% non-responders, combined with a lower manufacturing cost and better accessibility.
ExpreS2ion’s CEO Bent Frandsen comments:
“In these unprecedented times we must remember that even the widespread common flu carries an inherent risk of developing into a global pandemic. We appreciate the EU Horizon 2020 grant to work closely within this EU-India-US consortium with the goal to deliver a next-generation flu vaccine that addresses a worldwide medical need.”
In addition to ExpreS2ion, the INDIGO consortium consists of two Belgian partners, two French partners, two Dutch partners, one US partner, and six Indian partners. See https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/874653 for more information. The INDIGO consortium’s work plan is affected by the current COVID-19 pandemic, which means that initial development work is expected to be deferred by a 4-5 months’ time frame from the initial planned starting date of April 1 2020.
Influenza
According to WHO, influenza is a serious global health threat that impacts all countries: every year, there are an estimated 1 billion cases, 3-5 million severe cases, and 290 000 - 650 000 influenza-related respiratory deaths worldwide. Serious illness occurs not only in susceptible populations such as paediatrics and older adults, but also in the general population largely because of unique strains of influenza for which most humans have not developed protective antibodies. According to Allied Market Research, the global influenza vaccine market size was valued at 4.0 BUSD in 2018, and is projected to reach 6.2 BUSD by 2026.
Certified Adviser
Svensk Kapitalmarknadsgranskning AB
Telephone: +46 70 755 95 51
E-mail: ca@skmg.se
For further information about ExpreS2ion Biotech Holding AB, please contact:
Bent U. Frandsen, CEO
Telephone: +45 4256 6869
E-mail: buf@expres2ionbio.com
This press release contains information that ExpreS2ion is obligated to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication through the agency of the contact person set out above on March 31, 2020.
About ExpreS2ion
ExpreS2ion Biotechnologies ApS is a fully owned Danish subsidiary of ExpreS2ion Biotech Holding AB with company register number 559033-3729. ExpreS2ion has developed a unique technology platform, ExpreS2, for fast and efficient non-clinical development and production of complex proteins for new vaccines and diagnostics. ExpreS2 is regulatorily validated for clinical supply. The platform includes functionally modified glycosylation variants for enhanced immunogenicity and pharmacokinetics. Since 2010, the Company has produced more than 300 proteins and 40 virus-like particles (VLPs) in collaboration with leading research institutions and companies. Since 2017, ExpreS2ion develops novel VLP based vaccines through its joint venture AdaptVac ApS. For additional information, please visit www.expres2ionbio.com and www.adaptvac.com.