Novavax Inc (NVAX)

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NEWS: Novavax gets grant for vaccine for treating or preventing c. difficile bacterial infection

https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/data-insights/novavax-gets-grant-for-vaccine-for-treating-or-preventing-c-difficile-bacterial-infection/?cf-view

June 7, 2024

Novavax has developed a vaccine composition to treat or prevent C. difficile infection. The multivalent immunogenic polypeptide contains portions of multiple toxins from bacteria, inducing effective immune responses. The patent aims to provide innovative methods for combating bacterial infections.

According to GlobalData’s company profile on Novavax, Anti-RSV vaccines was a key innovation area identified from patents. Novavax's grant share as of April 2024 was 41%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11938179B2) discloses a multivalent immunogenic polypeptide designed to target Clostridium difficile infections. The polypeptide consists of a binary toxin (CDT) portion, a Toxin A portion, and two Toxin B portions, each derived from a C. difficile toxin protein. The patent specifies the amino acid sequences for each portion, emphasizing a high degree of homology to specific sequences (at least 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, or 99% homology). The arrangement of the portions, with the Toxin A portion positioned between the two Toxin B portions, and the presence of specific amino acid linkers between them, are also detailed in the claims.

Moreover, the patent covers a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide, along with a method for its preparation involving expression in an insect host cell and isolation using a non-ionic detergent. An immunogenic composition comprising the polypeptide and a suitable carrier, excipient, or diluent is also described, with the inclusion of an adjuvant, particularly a saponin-based adjuvant containing specific fractions in defined proportions. This patent highlights a novel approach to developing an immunogenic polypeptide targeting C. difficile infections, with a focus on specific amino acid sequences, arrangement, and production methods, offering potential advancements in combating this challenging medical condition.