The proposal is to develop an RNA-based multi-antigen SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, supporting NIAID’s call to develop a vaccine using emerging antigen design strategies and novel delivery approaches. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is actively threatening public health, world economies, and ways of life. Vaccine candidates are in human trials now, but long-term solutions will require an adaptable vaccine system that can be universalized broadly to all members of the coronavirus family.

Tiba’s vaccine will be innovative in two respects, explained Dr. Jasdave Chahal, who will lead the study along with Dr. Christian Mandl.  First, the inclusion of all four structural virion proteins will allow a deeper and potentially broader immune response against coronavirus, as multiple conserved T cell epitopes will be presented by the vaccine. In addition, the incorporation of structural proteins besides the Spike (S) protein will allow the formation of immunogenic VLPs in situ. Second, conventional lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), which are the mainstay of nucleic acid delivery, require a large proportion of “structural” lipid, resulting in a relatively low RNA content.

Tiba has developed a proprietary delivery molecule that maximizes RNA mass content, protects RNA from degradation, and enables efficient uptake by cells. This approach will increase immunogenicity and thus effectiveness of the vaccine. The benchmark of success will be evidence of immune responses against firstly the S component of the vaccine, and concomitant protection against disease, ideally after a single administration. If successful, further development of lead vaccine candidates and the path to commercialization will be forthcoming in a Phase 2 SBIR Proposal.