Esphera SynBio, a pre-clinical stage synthetic biology company, has launched a new project aimed at enhancing the efficacy of mRNA vaccines. The company will leverage its proprietary technology to engineer mRNA vaccines that, upon delivery, instruct patient cells to produce modified nanomedicines.

These in situ-produced nanomedicines are designed to have precise targeting capabilities and tailored immunostimulatory payloads, potentially overcoming limitations of current mRNA vaccine platforms. This project is supported by the CQDM Quantum Leap program, which facilitates collaborations between Canadian companies and global biopharmaceutical organizations.

“Esphera is very excited to launch this project exploring the potential enhancement of first generation LNP/mRNA vaccines by employing our transgene design to both amplify and enhance the effectiveness of these already impactful vaccines. CQDM has been instrumental in connecting Esphera with a global biopharmaceutical organization to enable this partnership.” highlights Brian Lichty, co-founder and CEO of Esphera SynBio.

The project will focus on developing therapeutic nanomedicines that can act as potent immunostimulants, delivering tailored antigenic payloads to elicit robust and targeted immune responses.

“CQDM is proud to support this innovative project, led by an early-stage Canadian company, which holds the potential to develop novel therapies while fostering growth within the Canadian biopharmaceutical sector. We are also pleased to have facilitated this collaboration for Esphera by forging valuable connections with the global biopharmaceutical organization supporting this project”, added Jesse Paterson, CQDM Senior Director, Business Development.