Virpax Explores MET Technology for Intranasal COVID-19 Vaccine Development
Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRPX) (“Virpax” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative, non-addictive treatments for pain management, central nervous system (CNS) disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anti-viral barrier applications, has announced plans to explore the use of Molecular Envelope Technology (MET) or similar advanced delivery mechanisms for the development of an intranasal messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccine. This initiative is part of Virpax’s broader strategy to leverage its proprietary drug delivery technologies in creating more effective and patient-friendly treatment options.
Expanding Vaccine Delivery with MET
Currently, the majority of COVID-19 vaccines available on the market utilize lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology to deliver mRNA into the body through intramuscular injection. While this approach has proven effective in generating immune responses, it is not without limitations. Some individuals experience side effects, including inflammation and allergic reactions linked to the lipid components. Additionally, needle injections can be a barrier to vaccination for patients with needle phobia, reducing overall vaccine uptake.
Virpax aims to address these concerns by investigating an alternative approach using MET or a comparable polymer-based technology for intranasal vaccine delivery. The MET platform, which is already used in Virpax’s existing product candidates, is designed to enhance the stability, absorption, and bioavailability of therapeutics administered through the nasal route. If successfully adapted for mRNA vaccines, this technology could provide a more efficient and patient-friendly method of immunization that bypasses the need for injections.
Advantages of Intranasal Vaccine Delivery
Intranasal vaccines offer several potential benefits over traditional injection-based immunizations:
- Needle-Free Administration: Eliminating the need for needles makes vaccination more accessible to individuals who have a fear of injections and improves compliance among pediatric and needle-averse populations.
- Targeting Mucosal Immunity: The nasal cavity is rich in immune cells that can provide an enhanced first line of defense against respiratory pathogens like SARS-CoV-2.
- Simplified Logistics: Intranasal vaccines could potentially reduce the need for cold-chain storage, facilitating easier distribution and administration, particularly in low-resource settings.
- Potentially Reduced Side Effects: Using a non-lipid polymer-based system instead of LNPs may lead to fewer inflammatory side effects and allergic reactions, enhancing patient safety.
Virpax’s Expertise in MET and Nasal Drug Delivery
Virpax has already integrated MET into the development of its other pipeline candidates, including Envelta™ (NES100) and NobrXiol™ (VRP324). Envelta is an enkephalin-based intranasal pain management therapy, while NobrXiol is a cannabidiol (CBD) formulation designed for epilepsy treatment.
Envelta (NES100)
Envelta utilizes MET to deliver enkephalin, an endogenous opioid peptide, directly to the brain via the nasal cavity. Enkephalin is difficult to administer in its natural form due to its rapid metabolic breakdown, but MET enhances its delivery and bioavailability. This makes Envelta a promising candidate for pain management without the risks of traditional opioid medications.
NobrXiol (VRP324)
NobrXiol is an intranasal cannabidiol (CBD) product being developed for epilepsy treatment in children and adults. MET technology allows CBD nanoparticles to cross the blood-brain barrier via the olfactory nerve, ensuring effective CNS delivery. The product has already received pre-Investigational New Drug (IND) application guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), marking a significant milestone in its clinical development.
Potential Application of MET in COVID-19 Vaccines
Virpax’s MET platform could offer several advantages if applied to intranasal COVID-19 vaccine development:
- Improved mRNA Stability: MET may protect mRNA from degradation, ensuring its integrity and effectiveness in generating an immune response.
- Efficient Immune Activation: By targeting the nasal mucosa, an intranasal vaccine could elicit both systemic and mucosal immunity, providing robust protection against respiratory viruses.
- Potential Broad-Spectrum Protection: Intranasal vaccines have been studied for their ability to stimulate broad immune responses, potentially making them effective against multiple variants of the virus.
Virpax’s Broader Drug Development Pipeline
Beyond its vaccine development aspirations, Virpax is actively working on several innovative therapies across different therapeutic areas:
- Probudur™: A single-injection liposomal bupivacaine formulation aimed at managing post-operative pain.
- Envelta™: A non-addictive intranasal enkephalin formulation for treating acute and chronic pain, including pain associated with cancer.
- NobrXiol™: A pharmaceutical-grade cannabidiol (CBD) product developed for epilepsy management.
- AnQlar™: A potential antiviral barrier treatment designed to inhibit viral replication of influenza and SARS-CoV-2.
- Epoladerm™: A topical diclofenac spray film formulation intended for osteoarthritis pain relief.
Virpax has secured competitive Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) for two of its prescription drug candidates—one with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and another with the Department of Defense (DOD). These collaborations highlight the company’s commitment to advancing non-addictive pain treatments and exploring novel therapeutic avenues.
Future Outlook
Virpax’s exploration of MET for intranasal mRNA COVID-19 vaccines represents a forward-thinking approach that aligns with the company’s mission to develop innovative drug delivery systems. While the research is still in its early stages, a successful outcome could revolutionize how vaccines are administered, making them more accessible and well-tolerated by a wider population.
As the world continues to seek more effective and convenient vaccination methods, intranasal delivery may emerge as a key innovation in combating not only COVID-19 but also other respiratory infections. Virpax’s expertise in nasal drug delivery and its commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology position it as a strong contender in this space.
About Virpax Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Virpax Pharmaceuticals is a leading biotechnology company focused on developing novel, non-addictive pain management solutions and other therapeutics using proprietary drug delivery technologies. By harnessing advanced formulations such as Molecular Envelope Technology (MET), Virpax aims to optimize the bioavailability, efficacy, and safety of its drug candidates. The company is actively seeking regulatory approval for its leading pipeline products while exploring new indications and partnerships to further its mission.
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