Founded in July 2016, Vaxinano is a biotech company specializing in the development of new vaccines for the treatment of viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections in humans and animals. This young start-up benefits from the expertise and know-how of Professor Didier Betbeder in nasal drug delivery systems.
His research has led to the development of biopolymer-based nanoparticles that offer the possibility of a "universal" vector for delivering antigens and proteins into cells. The vectorization capabilities of these nanoparticles have been demonstrated in two SATT Nord maturation programs: initial tests of a subunit vaccine against toxoplasmosis have been successfully conducted in sheep.
Proof of concept was provided, in collaboration with Professor Isabelle Dimier-Poisson (Université Rabelais Tours), through the development of a vaccine against toxoplasmosis, which has a human prevalence of 35%, in an experimental model and in a target species: sheep. This is the first subunit vaccine to induce protection of the entire organism against oral parasitic infection. Unlike competing vaccines, which use live attenuated parasites that may present a risk of reversion and instability, VAXINANO's technology mimics a synthetic parasite, thereby eliminating the risk of infection.
The nanoparticles used are composed of starch and lipids, making these nanovaccines "safer by design." These nanovaccines are designed to be administered nasally, which is simple and non-invasive, and after administration, the nanoparticles are completely eliminated via the gastrointestinal tract.
These nanoparticles are protected by three application patents. SATT Nord has granted Vaxinano an exclusive worldwide license for these three patents.
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