IVI and Switzerland

 

Ongoing Collaboration

 

EdJen BioTech COVID-19 vaccine development

Since 2022, IVI has been working with the Vaccine Research Group at Mayo Clinic to advance the development of an affordable, rapidly produced, temperature-stable peptide-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine that is readily deployable in low- and middle-income countries. 

 

In 2024, with support from IVI the selected optimized vaccines were produced and tested with adjuvants in small animal models to assess T-cell and B-cell responses. The IVI laboratories in Seoul additionally tested preclinical samples, confirming the satisfactory T-cell response and suboptimal B-cell response with LMQ adjuvant.  

 

Leveraging the knowledge accrued in this project, EdJen Biotech decided to redirect further platform characterization towards Mpox vaccine R&D and put the SARS-CoV-2 peptide-based vaccine project on hold.   

 

In Switzerland, Bachem AG assisted with pre-GMP peptide manufacturing and the Vaccine Formulation Institute conducted vaccine testing in small animal models. 

 

Full Value of Vaccine Assessment for invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella vaccines (iNTS FVVA)

In 2021, IVI began work on a full value of vaccines assessment for invasive nontyphoidal salmonella (iNTS) vaccines which will help stakeholders, investors, and policymakers understand the value of investment in iNTS vaccine development and use. The assessment will provide a vaccine R&D roadmap, a preferred product characteristics guide, a definition of the regulatory pathway for vaccine approval, and a rationale for investment in the development and delivery of iNTS vaccines. 

 

In Switzerland, the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute collaborates on the development of vaccination impact studies. 

 

This project is made possible by a $3.2 million USD grant from the Wellcome Trust. 

 

Previous Collaboration

 

Cholera Vaccine Effectiveness Trial

From 2009 to 2010, IVI conducted an oral cholera vaccine (OCV) effectiveness study in Tanzania in collaboration with the WHO, the Zanzibar Ministry of Health, and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute with support from Sweden’s SIDA. 

 

In January and February 2009, approximately 30,000 people aged 2 and over received two doses of the Dukoral OCV at study sites on Zanzibar and Pemba islands. 

 

The result of the effectiveness trial showed the vaccine provided 70% protection during the first year of follow-up. IVI conducted an analysis of herd immunity conferred by the vaccine and found clear evidence of protection in those who were not vaccinated against cholera. This additional and indirect benefit of oral cholera vaccines helped further develop the case for the use of OCV, especially in outbreak situations.