University of Queensland breakthrough vaccine at centre of landmark deal

Breakthrough vaccine technology invented by the University of Queensland is at the centre of a landmark deal worth over $2bn struck by global pharmaceutical giant Sanofi.

Breakthrough vaccine technology invented by UQ is at the centre of the landmark deal worth over $2bn.

Breakthrough vaccine technology invented by the University of Queensland is at the centre of a landmark deal worth over $2bn struck by global pharmaceutical giant Sanofi.

Paris-based Sanofi confirmed it would be acquiring Vicebio — a private biotech company headquartered in London – in a move that puts the company at the forefront of developing a combination vaccine respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

Vicebio was formed in 2018 to develop UQ’s proprietary “Molecular Clamp” technology — a vaccine delivery system that works like a clip, delivering the spike protein to a person’s immune system.

UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AC said this breakthrough partnership will open new opportunities to address global health challenges with vaccines.

“The acquisition is a compelling vote of confidence in the strength of Australian university research to develop innovations that can be translated into lifesaving solutions with a world-leader in the vaccine space,” Professor Terry said.

“This extraordinary outcome validates 12 years of UQ research, and I pay tribute to the dedicated UQ scientists who invented the patented Molecular Clamp technology.”

Professor Deborah Terry AC. pic: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

The “Molecular Clamp” technology garnered attention in 2020 when the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) asked UQ to work on a potential COVID-19 vaccine.

Professor Keith Chappell said this technology can accelerate vaccine development..

“A key advantage of the Molecular Clamp platform is that it streamlines vaccine development across different viral families,” Professor Chappell said.

“This is incredibly important for outbreak responses but facilitates the efficient development of multi-pathogen vaccines that we believe will protect vulnerable populations against common viruses that cause severe respiratory diseases.

Vicebio shareholders will also benefit with a total of over US$1.6bn, including an upfront payment of US$1.15bn.

UQ is a shareholder in Vicebio, through direct investment alongside licensing vaccine platform technology by UniQuest – the university’s commercialisation arm.

With the landmark deal ensuring further opportunities, a spokesman for UQ said it will continue its collaboration with the CEPI for pandemic preparedness research.

Originally published as University of Queensland breakthrough vaccine at centre of landmark deal