Delivering a safe and effective protection against diseases resulting from mosquito-borne flavivirus infections
Amidst the backdrop of climate change and human-led environmental impact, mosquito habitats are expanding and with that the risk of mosquito-borne viral infections, which now affect around 400 million people and cause an estimated 250,000 deaths annually. Moreover, these infections pose significant challenges to public health, particularly in countries already endemic for HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other respiratory and enteric infections. Recognising the urgent need for effective interventions, FLAVIVACCINE is committed to providing a safe, cost-effective, and efficient solution.
One vaccine for multiple diseases
The development and characterisation of a pan-flavivirus vaccine candidate offers the potential to reduce the burden of diseases caused by flaviviruses, such as dengue, yellow fever, Zika and West Nile viruses. Instead of directly targeting the virus, the project focuses on the initial infection resulting from contact with mosquito saliva. Thanks to this new approach, a single vaccine rather than multiple virus-specific vaccines will be required to protect against multiple flavivirus diseases. This presents an innovative strategy with the potential to broaden the scope of vaccine effectiveness and efficiency.
Impact on healthcare systems and pandemic preparedness
- FLAVIVACCINE contributes to international endeavours to eradicate preventable diseases, particularly in regions most affected by mosquito-borne illnesses.
- The consolidation of efforts into a pan-flavivirus vaccine streamlines resource allocation and eases the strain on healthcare systems.
- By managing the entire research and development process, the project also aims to provide a platform to enhance the EU’s preparedness and response to future pandemic threats.
Market potential
FLAVIVACCINE’s approach extends beyond vaccine development alone; it encompasses the entire value chain from basic science research institutions to private companies. The active involvement of a vaccine developer and other key stakeholders will ensure the seamless transition of the vaccine candidate from clinical investigation to commercial availability.
Through the design of comprehensive to-market strategies, strategic patenting and collaboration with potential investors, FLAVIVACCINE aims to start clinical evaluation right after the end of the project and deliver a pan-flavivirus vaccine solution to populations worldwide at risk of mosquito-borne flavivirus infections.
Scientific excellence
The consortium consists of ten public and private institutions, including universities, research institutions and a vaccine developer. Strategically spanning seven countries in Europe and the United States, it ensures comprehensive coverage of all the required scientific expertise.
The coordinator for this initiative is Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) in France. The collaborating partners include Universiteit Utrecht in the Netherlands, Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) in Spain, The Geneva Foundation (GF) in the United States, Norce Norwegian Research Centre AS (NORCE) in Norway, Fondazione ICONS in Italy, Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA) in France, the University of California in the United States, Institut Pasteur in France and ConserV Bioscience (CVB) in the United Kingdom.
For further information please contact the project coordinator:
Mr. Julien Pompon – IRD
julien.pompon@ird.fr