Selexis SA, a JSR Life Sciences company, and SpyBiotech, a biotechnology company with a novel vaccine platform, have signed a commercial license agreement to advance SPYVLP102, SpyBiotech’s lead vaccine program for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). SpyBiotech will leverage Selexis’ SUREtechnology Platform to generate the stable, high-yield production cell lines needed to advance the HCMV program to human clinical trials.

“SpyBiotech’s SpyTag/SpyCatcher technology circumvents the significant complexities and challenges of binding antigens to vaccine delivery platforms such as virus-like particles (VLPs), making it possible to tackle the development of vaccines previously deemed too difficult to pursue,” said Yemi Onakunle, PhD, MBA, Selexis chief business officer. “The high prevalence of HCMV worldwide along with SpyBiotech’s innovative technology and commitment to advancing a vaccine makes our work with the company vitally important. We’re excited to move forward.”

SpyBiotech is focused on the development of a novel vaccine platform technology targeting infectious diseases, cancer and chronic diseases. The company’s SpyTag/SpyCatcher protein ‘superglue’ underpins its pipeline, which includes vaccine candidates for HCMV and another major viral pathogen.

Selexis’ modular SUREtechnology Platform facilitates the rapid, stable, and cost-effective production of recombinant proteins and vaccines, integrating the development continuum from discovery to commercialization.