AAHI to Present Novel Applications of Its Unique Self-Amplifying RNA Vaccine Platform at the 10th International mRNA Health Conference

The Access to Advanced Health Institute (AAHI), a non profit biotech research institute focused on the development of equitably accessible vaccines and therapeutics, today announced that it will present new data at the 10th International mRNA Health Conference, to be held in Boston, Massachusetts, from November 8-10, 2022.

An oral presentation will include preclinical rodent and NHP immunogenicity data for the organization’s novel Covid self-amplifying RNA nasal vaccine that provides both mucosal and systemic immune responses designed to prevent early-stage infection and halt the transmission of the virus. The institute will also present a poster on the development of a multi-adjuvant containing RNA vaccine platform to provide stronger, longer lasting protection against diseases.

Oral Presentation Details: 

Presentation Title: An Intranasal saRNA Vaccine against SARS-CoV-2

Session: Advances in Prophylactic Vaccines

Presentation Date and Time: 11:52am EST, Tuesday, November 8th 

Presenting Author: Emily Voigt, PhD, Principal Scientist, RNA Program. Dr. Voigt is a scientist with 13+ years of experience in innate and vaccine immunology. She received her BS in Chemical Engineering from Kansas State University, a PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering from University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she studied the interactions between RNA viruses and the cells they infect, and a postdoctoral fellowship with the Mayo Clinic’s Vaccine Research Group prior to joining and subsequently leading the AAHI RNA program. 

The research project described here is funded in whole or in part with federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, under contract number 75A50121C00087. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.

Poster Presentation Details: 

Presentation Title: An adjuvanted saRNA vaccine platform enhances vaccine potency and immune durability.

Pster Number: 31

Session: 5:30-6:30pm EST, Tuesday, November 8th

Presenting Author: Madeleine (Maddy) Jennewein, PhD, Scientist II. Dr. Jennewein is a scientist with 7+ years of experience understanding cell and antibody-based responses to infection and vaccination, looking at T cell responses, non-neutralizing and neutralizing responses, and antibody structure and features that contribute to protection from infection. They received their BS in Biology from Brown University and their PhD in Virology from Harvard University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

About AAHI's self-amplifying RNA vaccine platform 

About AAHI’s self-amplifying RNA vaccine platform AAHI’s novel RNA vaccine platform combines a self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) with a unique stable nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) delivery vehicle with simplified manufacturing and containing the adjuvanting molecule squalene for improved vaccine potency. The saRNA electrostatically binds to the exterior of the NLC after simple mixing techniques, simplifying the manufacturing process by eliminating RNA encapsulation steps. Recent data demonstrate that the complexed saRNA-NLC vaccine candidate can be freeze-dried to provide stability at room temperature for 6 months and refrigerated temperatures for at least 10 months. The RNA vaccine platform provides greater utility than current mRNA vaccine technology due to its reduced need for a robust cold chain for storage and transport, an ongoing issue when distributing vaccines to low-resource areas that lack ultra-cold chain infrastructure.

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AAHI is a nonprofit biotech research institute located in Seattle, Washington that combines the high-quality science of an academic research organization with the product-development capabilities of a biotech company to help combat some of the world’s deadliest diseases, including COVID-19, cancer, fungal and parasitic infections, and other non-communicable diseases. For nearly three decades, AAHI, previously known as the Infectious Disease Research Institute, has focused on creating immune-enhancing technologies that improve the body’s natural response to disease. Through collaborations AAHI brings innovation from the lab to the clinic to the people, furthering AAHI’s mission to bring together the best experts, technologies, and platforms to create accessible, high-quality products, and solutions. AAHI is working to build a world in which every person has access to tools that harness their immune system and allow them to live a healthy life free of illness and disease. For more information, go to AAHI.org or follow us on LinkedIn.

Contacts
Casey Benadof
Media@aahi.org
(206) 960-1479