[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] Lapass, a specialized company in microneedle patch pharmaceuticals, announced on the 22nd that its ‘influenza (flu) prevention vaccine patch,’ developed using its proprietary ‘DEN (Droplet Extension)’ technology, has demonstrated equal or superior efficacy compared to existing injectable vaccines in in vivo animal experiments, and that development is progressing smoothly.
The ‘influenza prevention vaccine patch’ being developed by Lapass is a ‘quadrivalent (4-valent) microneedle vaccine patch’ that can simultaneously prevent four types of influenza viruses?two types of influenza A and two types of influenza B?mixed together, similar to the already approved and marketed quadrivalent influenza injectable vaccine. The goal is to replace the existing injectable form of the quadrivalent mixed vaccine.
As a result of efficacy comparison experiments conducted on animals, Lapass confirmed research findings that its influenza prevention vaccine patch formed equal or higher antibody levels compared to the existing injectable vaccines.
In particular, Lapass’s ‘quadrivalent vaccine patch’ has developed and introduced a ‘multi-loaded array’ method that loads different influenza virus types onto individual structures, unlike conventional injectable vaccines that require mixing and manufacturing multiple vaccines together, thereby dramatically solving the difficulties associated with the mixing process.
According to industry sources, many vaccine developers are currently conducting research and development on quadrivalent vaccines. However, it is reported that they face difficulties in development because the most important function?immune induction?is not properly expressed during the mixing process of different vaccines.
Quadrivalent vaccines using Lapass’s ‘multi-loaded array’ technology place different vaccine types in separate arrays, thus avoiding problems arising from the mixing process. Additionally, they can be quickly and easily combined and manufactured each year according to the types of influenza without changing the formulation. They can also be stored at room temperature and are easy to transport, resulting in relatively lower distribution costs.
A Lapass representative stated, “Currently, clinical trials are being conducted at a domestic Contract Research Organization (CRO) focusing on comparing the immune induction efficacy of influenza A and B virus antigens, which are the most prevalent. Upon successful development of the vaccine patch, multiple vaccines can be administered simultaneously, overcoming the limitations of existing injectable quadrivalent vaccines such as the burden of administration and side effects, and mass production will be easier, so it is expected to replace injectable vaccines in the future.”
He added, “Lapass is also conducting research and development for manufacturing nucleic acid-based vaccines in the form of microneedle patches, such as ‘mRNA vaccine patches.’ Stability at room temperature has already been secured, and currently, animal experiments are underway to confirm whether specific antibodies are formed.”
Lapass is accelerating research and development aiming to enter clinical trials for the commercialization of vaccine patches and is preparing to establish a domestic vaccine patch production plant next year.
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