NanoBio has formed a preclinical collaboration with a subsidiary of Merck, focused on the development of a vaccine for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The studies will evaluate the combination of Merck’s proprietary RSV antigen with NanoBio’s NanoStat adjuvant technology for use as an intranasal vaccine. As part of the agreement, Merck has the option to negotiate a non-exclusive license to the NanoStat adjuvant for development of a commercial RSV vaccine.

Earlier preclinical studies conducted by NanoBio have demonstrated that a NanoStat adjuvanted RSV vaccine induces robust protective immunity, without eliciting the enhanced respiratory disease that has caused other RSV vaccine candidates to fail.

RSV is a highly contagious viral disease and is one of the most common causes of bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Many children develop pulmonary disease and/or asthma from RSV that persists throughout adult life making them susceptible to re-infection. There are currently no approved vaccines for RSV.