VIVAC · Viscogel - A chitosan based adjuvant for prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination

The overall aim of the ViVac project is to develop and to show safety and efficacy for a new innovative carbohydrate (chitosan) based adjuvant -Viscogel –to be used both in prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination. Three SME participants will contribute with their specific technologies: the unique Viscogel technology, a specific type of cationic peptides with cell-penetrating capacity (LTX) and a technology platform for production of recombinant allergens (Bet v 1). Viscogel has excellent adjuvant properties: strongly immunostimulatory, stable, easy to manufacture, pronounced depot effect and possibility to obtain products of GMP quality. In addition Viscogel is mucoadhesive and in combination with LTX cell penetrating, making it suitable for mucosal administration. The target applications to be demonstrated in the ViVac project are i) prophylactic vaccination against common infectious diseases, and ii) therapeutic allergy vaccination. Both application areas represent billion € markets. Five RTD consortium partners with specific key competences will perform research to support further technical development and new IP opportunities for the participating SME partners. The research objectives are i) to provide pre-clinical and clinical proof-of-concept for prophylactic vaccination with a model vaccine against Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b). Data supporting that Viscogel induces improved immune responses at lower vaccine doses will likely be applicable to most prophylactic vaccines. ii) to provide pre-clinical proof-of-concept for therapeutic vaccination, demonstrated for allergy vaccination. In particular Viscogel-Bet v 1 formulations for administration over the sublingual mucosa will be developed and thus fulfil an unmet medical need for safe, efficient and convenient allergy vaccination. A successful outcome of the ViVac project will significantly improve the competitive situation for the SME partners and create new commercialisation opportunities.