Gennova Biopharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, has formed a partnership with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to develop a self-amplifying messenger ribonucleic acid (saRNA) vaccine for the Nipah virus. CEPI has committed up to $13.38 million in funding to support vaccine research and development.
The collaboration includes working with the Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI) to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the vaccine development process. AI will be used to optimize viral protein properties that trigger immune responses. Clinical trials for the vaccine are set to begin in India, where Nipah outbreaks have previously occurred.
Nipah virus, a highly fatal pathogen, has caused significant outbreaks in South and Southeast Asia, with a fatality rate of up to 75%. Although geographically limited, the virus’s natural reservoir—fruit bats—spans regions with over two billion people, making it a global health threat.
Kent Kester, Executive Director of Vaccine Research and Development at CEPI, highlighted the importance of Gennova’s saRNA technology in addressing Nipah and improving future pandemic preparedness, with the potential for rapid responses to new viral threats.
Unlike traditional mRNA vaccines, saRNA vaccines provide genetic instructions for the body to produce antigenic proteins, potentially enhancing immune responses while requiring lower doses. Gennova aims to leverage its saRNA platform to develop an advanced Nipah vaccine and strengthen global health security.
This is not Gennova’s first collaboration with CEPI. In August 2023, CEPI invested $3.6 million to help optimize the saRNA platform for developing vaccines against unknown diseases (Disease X). The company has also committed to ensuring equitable access to the Nipah vaccine, especially for at-risk populations, and supporting technology transfer for future vaccine development against other emerging diseases.