Probi to collaborate on probiotic carriers for needle-free vaccines

02 Jul 2020 --- Probiotics expert Probi is collaborating with Örebro University and nine other Swedish companies to develop needle-free vaccines that use probiotics as carriers for the vaccine antigens. This is to induce immunity against pathogens. The method shys away from traditional injections as delivery will be facilitated via the body’s mucous membranes. The researchers hope that the project will result in a new vaccine delivery technology that can be used in the fight against any future virus pandemics, like COVID-19.

“The capability of probiotic bacteria to persist in close proximity to the mucosal surfaces will be utilized for presenting the vaccine antigens to the immune system and exerting immune-stimulating effects. An important fact is that many infectious agents enter the body via mucosal surfaces and that these surfaces harbor around two thirds of the body’s immune system,” Titti Niskanen, Director R&D & Clinical Operations at Probi, tells NutritionInsight.

“The probiotic bacteria will act as carriers because certain strains can adhere to the mucus layer and intestinal wall. The hypothesis is that the probiotics will present the vaccine antigens to the immune system in a way that will result in a more efficient immune response. In addition to this, it is known that certain probiotic strains can exert immune-stimulating effects, Niskanen adds.

She goes on to explain that this project will not be limited to development of a vaccine for protection against SARS-CoV-2. The focus for the project is to develop new vaccines based on mucosal delivery in contrast to the traditional injectable vaccines.

The probiotic bacteria will act as carriers because certain strains can adhere to the mucus layer and intestinal wall. “This is a long-term project where the aim is to start testing in humans in four years,” Niskanen flags.

The project has been recently granted funding from the Knowledge Foundation, which funds research and competence development at Sweden’s university colleges and new universities with the purpose of strengthening Sweden’s competitiveness. 

Beyond Probi, the list of research participants includes: 

• Valneva Sweden
• Eurocine Vaccines
• Adlego Biomedical
• Svenska Vaccinfabriken Produktion
• Mivac Development 
• Nordic BioAnalysis 
• Academy of Quality in Pharm Science 
• GU Ventures 
• Vecura

“This type of vaccine already exists today, for instance for polio. However, in general, vaccination via the mucous membranes are underused, even though many viruses and bacteria enter the body this way,” says Magnus Johansson, Professor in Bio-Medicine and Project Manager of the research project.

“We are pleased to be working with Örebro University and the other parties in order to examine how to meet a clear unmet medical need. Being part of a vaccine technology development that can actually help save lives is very special to Probi, as this was the reason for Probi’s foundation almost 30 years ago,” notes Niskanen.

Expanding probiotics segment
Probi is having a very active year. Previously the company noted that the global probiotics market is pegged for growth as consumer interest in immunity is on the rise in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. This was detailed in its annual financial report, where CEO Tom Rönnlund states that the company has not seen the growth and profits it expected in recent years. 

“We can’t overlook the effect coronavirus may have on the global demand for probiotics. However, we have not yet seen any negative impacts on the market or major disruptions in our supply chains. An increased focus on health and a stronger immune system may increase the interest in probiotics in the long-term. So despite moving toward a much more uncertain global development, we see continued great potential in our markets,” Rönnlund noted at the time.

The company says it is determined to grow further and its main goal is to report double-digit growth going forward. Earlier this year, Probi’s reported bouncing back from “weak” Q3, amid stable performance and profitability in Q4 of 2019.

By Kristiana Lalou