Catalent Partners with Spicona for COVID-19 Vaccine Development

Catalent announced on June 10, 2020 that it has signed an agreement with New York City-based research and development company Spicona to develop a virus-like protein (VLP)-based vaccine against COVID-19. In developing the recombinant vaccine, Spicona is optimizing the antigen design using the COVID-19 surface spike protein to ensure optimal immune response, according to Spicona’s website.

Through the agreement, Catalent will use its GPEx cell line development technology to create a cell line expressing the recombinant VLP at its Madison, WI facility, a Catalent press release said. The GPEx technology works to develop high-yielding mammalian cell lines with high speed and efficiency and is currently being used in more than 120 clinical trials.

“We feel privileged to start this collaboration with Catalent,” said Kaspar Bänziger, CEO, president, Spicona, in the press release. “Together, our two experienced teams will work toward finding a safe and efficacious solution to prevent COVID-19 as soon as possible.”

“Catalent’s GPEx technology and the Madison facility provide proven technology and expertise that are a perfect fit for Spicona’s unique vaccine approach to address COVID-19,” added Mike Riley, region president, Catalent Biologics, North America, in the press release. “We are pleased to be working with Spicona and other partners on all major classes of COVID-19 vaccines in development.”

Source: Catalent