Vaccine Technologies Compared at ASM Microbe Conference

Soligenix, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the treatment of rare diseases, has announced a presentation by Professor Axel Lehrer of the University of Hawaiʽi at Mānoa. The presentation will feature data on the company's thermostable vaccine technology platform, developed in collaboration with the University of Hawaiʽi. This technology includes vaccine candidates for Sudan ebolavirus (SuVax™) and Marburg marburgvirus (MarVax™). The event is scheduled for the upcoming American Society of Microbiology (ASM) Microbe Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, from June 13-17, 2024. A panel discussion will follow to compare various advanced vaccine technologies.

Under Soligenix's Public Health Solutions business segment, the company is developing thermostabilized subunit vaccines. This process uses Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) excipients and lyophilization to create a single-vial presentation that remains stable at various temperatures and can be reconstituted with water before use. Vaccine candidates for filoviruses like Sudan ebolavirus and Marburg marburgvirus have shown complete protection in non-human primate challenge studies using these thermostabilized formulations. The company has been granted Orphan Drug Designation for preventing and providing post-exposure prophylaxis against both Sudan ebolavirus and Marburg marburgvirus.

The ASM Microbe Conference is an annual event by the American Society for Microbiology, considered the largest gathering of microbial scientists in the world. The conference covers eight scientific tracks, including clinical infections and vaccines, and features over 200 sessions.

SuVax™ is a subunit protein vaccine developed in partnership with Dr. Axel Lehrer. It is composed of a Sudan Ebola virus glycoprotein and a novel adjuvant to stimulate immune responses. The vaccine is heat-stable, remaining effective for at least two years at temperatures as high as 40 degrees Celsius. SuVax™ has demonstrated 100% protection in non-human primates against a lethal dose of Sudan ebolavirus.

MarVax™ is another subunit protein vaccine developed in partnership with Dr. Axel Lehrer. It targets Marburg marburgvirus, using a similar formulation approach as SuVax™. MarVax™ is also heat-stable and has shown 100% protection in non-human primates exposed to Marburg marburgvirus. Both vaccines can be part of multivalent vaccines addressing multiple viruses simultaneously.

Ebola Virus Disease is caused by one of six species of Ebolavirus, four of which affect humans. Sudan ebolavirus is the second most common cause of human infection in this family, after Zaire ebolavirus. The Marburg virus, another member of the Filoviridae family, also causes severe disease in humans. Filoviruses are primarily found in Africa, with bats being a suspected reservoir. Transmission occurs through direct contact with bodily fluids from infected individuals or animals. The mortality rate for these infections is extremely high, and treatment options are currently limited.

The U.S. government is investing in pandemic preparedness, with initiatives to develop vaccines quickly for any virus family. This includes efforts by the Biden-Harris administration to enhance the country's response capabilities, as outlined in a white paper released in September 2021.

The John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaiʽi at Mānoa is a leading medical institution recognized for its research and commitment to addressing diseases affecting Hawaii and the Pacific region. The school brings significant funding into the state and focuses on the health and well-being of Native Hawaiians.

Soligenix is focused on developing and commercializing treatments for rare diseases. Its Specialized BioTherapeutics business segment is advancing HyBryte™ for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and synthetic hypericin for psoriasis. The company's Public Health Solutions segment is developing vaccines for filoviruses and COVID-19 using its ThermoVax® heat stabilization technology. This segment has received support from various government agencies, including the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.

Soligenix continues to pursue regulatory approvals and commercial partnerships to advance its therapeutic and vaccine candidates. The company's efforts are aimed at addressing unmet medical needs and improving global health outcomes.