Touchlight, a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in enzymatic DNA production, is partnering with the University of Nottingham to advance the development of a next-generation DNA vaccine targeting the Zika virus.
 
The University of Nottingham research team, led by Dr. James Dixon and Professor Janet Daly, is working to create a DNA vaccine that can be rapidly manufactured and distributed globally to combat future Zika outbreaks. The team’s innovative approach involves a proprietary DNA formulation that allows for simple injection, eliminating the need for skin delivery devices. Additionally, the use of synthetic manufacturing techniques significantly reduces development time from six months to six weeks.
 
Touchlight’s enzymatic dbDNA technology plays a crucial role in this project. This platform offers a rapid, scalable, and efficient method for DNA production, making it ideal for vaccine development. dbDNA also has the potential to reduce dosage, mitigate antibiotic resistance, and provide a cost-effective solution for vaccines in developing countries.
 
The partnership between Touchlight and the University of Nottingham is supported by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) as part of the UK Vaccine Network. This program aims to develop vaccines for diseases with epidemic potential in low and middle-income countries. The collaboration leverages the strengths of both organizations to accelerate the development of a promising Zika vaccine that could be a valuable tool in preventing future outbreaks.
 
Dr. James Dixon commented: “The Touchlight technology has enabled us to make rapid progress and will make it possible to produce large quantities of the DNA vaccine at speed which is vital in pandemic prevention and our response to deployment of vaccines in the developing world and globally. It will be hugely exciting to complete the pre-clinical trials and take us into the final stages with clinical trials and seeing real-world impact.”
 
Tommy Duncan, Touchlight Chief Operating Officer, added: “We are thrilled to support the University of Nottingham with our innovative dbDNA technology in the development of a Zika virus DNA vaccine. We are committed to enabling developers of DNA vaccines by providing rapid, high purity DNA for vaccines against emerging pathogens.”