Universal vaccine

Since the onset of the pandemic, COVID-19 has continued to spread due to emerging variants that often evade existing immunity. As new vaccinations are rolling out globally, new variants are emerging, that makes vaccine development comlicated. To break the negative cycle, SHIONOGI is actively engaged in the research and development of universal vaccines that target the broader Sarbecovirus subgenus.

For this challenge, we're collaborating with KOTAI Biotechnologies Inc., which specializes in antigen design and immunological analysis, and the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, a leading Japanese institution in infectious disease research. Together, we aim to identify antigens that selectively induce neutralizing antibodies against less mutable viral regions. This research enables to prepare for new variants and future pandemics by developing effective and safe vaccines.

This study is part of AMED's SCARDA project for vaccine development and production infrastructure, and is receiving funding from this initiative.

*1 Salbecovirus subgenus

This is a group of viruses belonging to the Betacoronavirus genus within the Coronaviridae family. The group includes SARS-CoV-2, SARS virus, and various bat coronaviruses.

 

*2 AMED

AMED stands for the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development. Established in 2015, it serves as the national hub for medical research and development in Japan.

 

*3 SCARDA

SCARDA stands for the Strategic Center of Biomedical Advanced Vaccine Research and Development for Preparedness and Response. The center is tasked with collecting and analyzing information related to vaccine development and providing the necessary funding to facilitate research and development initiatives.