Vaccines Against Biowarfare Threats Aimed By Health Security Systems Australia.
In a collaborative effort involving pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturer BioCina, the Health Security Systems Australia (HSSA) division of the defense innovation group DMTC, and leading academics from Griffith University, an ambitious two-year research project has been initiated (Source: AU Manufacturing). The primary goal of this project is to develop vaccine candidates capable of safeguarding against biowarfare threats, including Q Fever, tularaemia, and melioidosis.
Funding for this significant research endeavor is provided by the defense sector, with support from the Next Generation Technologies Fund, aiming to establish sovereign capability for the rapid development and large-scale manufacturing of vaccines against biothreats and emerging infectious diseases.
This project emerged from a national call for collaborative proposals in 2022, emphasizing the need for vaccine products or platform technologies to counter infectious disease threats.
It aligns perfectly with HSSA’s mission, which is to create medical countermeasures that protect both military and civilian personnel against chemical, biological, and radiological threats, as well as emerging infectious diseases and pandemics.
BioCina’s CEO, Mark W. Womack, expressed their honor at being the manufacturing partner for this innovative project on social media, highlighting the aim of enhancing sovereign health protection in Australia.
Griffith University plays a pivotal role in this research, leveraging a platform approach to develop cutting-edge technology. This technology utilizes engineered bacterial cells to rapidly assemble biopolymer particles coated with immunogenic antigens.
The beauty of this scalable biomanufacturing process lies in its ability to create multiple precision-engineered vaccine candidates effective against the targeted pathogens. Additionally, the platform technology allows for swift vaccine design and production.
Professor Bernd Rehm, Director of the Centre for Cell Factories and Biopolymers at Griffith University’s Institute for Drug Discovery, noted the critical importance of this project. Currently, there are no approved vaccines for melioidosis and tularaemia, with only one approved vaccine for Q Fever.
The collaborative network of experts involved in this project holds the promise of potentially developing and manufacturing innovative vaccine candidates to address these pressing health concerns.
In conclusion, this research collaboration spearheaded by BioCina, the HSSA division of DMTC, and Griffith University represents a significant step towards bolstering Australia’s health security against biowarfare threats and emerging infectious diseases.
With the backing of defense funding and a commitment to rapid vaccine development, this project embodies the nation’s dedication to protecting its military and civilian populations from evolving health challenges.
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