Gennova Biopharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Emcure Pharmaceuticals based in Pune, has announced a strategic partnership with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to accelerate the development of a vaccine against the deadly Nipah virus. Under the agreement, CEPI will provide up to USD 13.38 million to support the advancement of Gennova’s self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) vaccine candidate.
The Nipah virus, listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a priority pathogen due to its high fatality rate and potential to spark a pandemic, has been a persistent threat in South and Southeast Asia for over two decades. The virus, transmitted primarily by fruit bats, has caused periodic outbreaks in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh, and India. In India, states like West Bengal and Kerala have reported multiple outbreaks, with fatality rates reaching as high as 94%.
Currently, no approved vaccines or treatments exist for Nipah virus infections. The virus is known for its severe symptoms, including brain inflammation, respiratory distress, muscle weakness, and cardiac complications. Its high lethality and ability to spread between humans have led to its classification as a potential bioterrorism agent.
Gennova’s saRNA vaccine platform aims to produce a robust immune response by instructing the body to generate its own copies of the mRNA that encodes antigenic viral proteins. This approach has the potential to produce stronger immunity with smaller doses compared to conventional mRNA vaccines.
As part of this initiative, Gennova will conduct preclinical studies and Phase 1 clinical trials in India. The company will also collaborate with the Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI), a CEPI partner in the United States, to integrate artificial intelligence technologies into the vaccine development process. These AI tools will help optimize viral protein targets to stimulate effective immune responses.
Dr. Sanjay Singh, CEO of Gennova Biopharmaceuticals, described the partnership as a transformative step in epidemic preparedness. “With our saRNA platform, we aim to create a next-generation vaccine that not only provides strong immunity but also ensures rapid development and equitable distribution during outbreaks,” he said.
Independent experts have welcomed the announcement, emphasizing the need for rapid antibody generation in any vaccine targeting Nipah due to the virus’s acute lethality. Dr. R. R. Gangakhedkar, former chief scientist at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), noted that such a vaccine could be crucial for healthcare workers and those in close contact with infected individuals during outbreaks.
This funding follows CEPI’s earlier support of USD 3.6 million in 2023 to aid Gennova in enhancing its saRNA platform for broader applications, including readiness against future unknown threats, often termed “Disease X.”
CEPI has committed over USD 100 million to its global Nipah virus vaccine initiatives, which include supporting multiple vaccine candidates through early-stage clinical trials. Among these is the ChAdOx1 NipahB vaccine, developed by Oxford University, which began Phase 1 trials last year using the same platform as the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
Dr. Kent Kester, Executive Director of Vaccine R&D at CEPI, highlighted the importance of Gennova’s work in strengthening global response capabilities. “The advancement of Gennova’s saRNA technology represents a crucial step toward faster, more effective vaccine development for emerging threats like Nipah and Disease X,” he said.
As concerns over the pandemic potential of Nipah virus grow, the development of an effective and scalable vaccine offers a vital tool in protecting vulnerable populations and reinforcing global health security.
