Gates-Funded Organization Partners With BioTech Firm to Create Thin Film Needle-Free mRNA Vaccines

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) is partnering with Jurata Thin Film, Inc. (Jurata) to develop a thermostable mRNA vaccine film delivered under the tongue instead of into the arm. According to CEPI, it will initially provide up to $1.2 million to help develop Jurata’s “3D structure of mRNA-containing lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vaccine materials,” provided by Quantoom Biosciences, into a thin thermostable film that will alleviate frozen storage and transportation issues associated with traditional needle and syringe vaccines. LNPs are the delivery system used to deliver mRNA and have properties that may cause clotting or trigger the immune system. “Vaccine distribution is just as important as vaccine development in response to an emerging crisis—so, while mRNA quickly became one of the technological ‘shining stars’ during the COVID-19 pandemic, global access to doses was majorly hindered by its frozen storage needs,” said Ingrid Kromann, acting director of CEPI’s Vaccine Manufacturing and Supply Chain in a Dec. 5 news release....