The Global Economic Impact of Aphthous Fever

Aphthous fever, also known as foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), poses a notable threat to international trade in agricultural products. The economic and social consequences of FMD outbreaks are significant, with estimated annual losses in endemic regions ranging from $8.4 billion to $27.3 billion. These figures underscore the urgent need for effective preventive strategies.

Recent outbreaks in Germany (affecting wild animals) and Israel (affecting cattle) serve as stark reminders of the ever-present risks associated with this highly contagious disease. The potential for widespread economic disruption and animal suffering necessitates continuous innovation in disease prevention and control.

A Novel Approach: Recombinant Vaccine technology

A groundbreaking advancement in vaccine technology offers a promising solution to combatting Aphthous fever. Researchers have developed a recombinant vaccine that eliminates the need for infectious material during the production process, addressing a key concern for many countries.

Andrés Wigdorovitz, director of Uncinta and Bioinnovo, explains: It can be produced in conventional facilities using the same equipment and technologies as those already used in the manufacture of any vaccine that uses mammalian cells in its production process.

this innovative vaccine represents a significant advancement, as it is the first of its kind to utilize mammalian cells without relying on infectious material at any stage. The project, initiated over a decade ago at the Institute of Virology, culminated in a patent at the end of 2022.

Overcoming Production Barriers

Conventional FMD vaccines often involve the use of live or inactivated viruses, which can pose biosecurity risks. Many countries are hesitant to host vaccine production plants or work with non-native viral strains, limiting vaccine production to local markets. The new recombinant vaccine circumvents these challenges by eliminating the need for infectious material.

From Lab to Market: The Path Forward

Bioinnovo has successfully validated the recombinant vaccine technology at a pre-industrial scale and is actively compiling the necessary documentation for regulatory approval. The company is now seeking an international partner to facilitate the commercial launch of the vaccine.

Wigdorovitz emphasizes the collaborative effort: This work is being carried out in an articulated manner with the Nation foreign Ministry in a very encouraging way, to take technology to the commercial launching stage within 2 to 4 years, and with a product that is innovative, safe and as effective as the best vaccines currently available.

Inside the Technology: VLPs and Bioreactors

The recombinant vaccine production process leverages advanced biotechnology. It involves growing Chobri TM mammal cells in a bioreactor. These cells are genetically engineered to produce Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) of the Aphthous fever virus.

The VLP production optimization strategy is patented by INTA in collaboration with the NRCC. The bioreactors used are similar to those employed in conventional FMD vaccine production, where infectious viral particles are replicated in BHK-21 mammal cells.

Once the cells reach a critical mass, VLP expression is induced using cumato, a non-toxic and readily available chemical compound. After induction, the cells are collected, lysed, and the resulting lysate undergoes purification processes. adjuvants and excipients are added to create the final vaccine formulation, which undergoes rigorous quality control testing.