Vaccines are typically administered using intramuscular injections, which is not optimal when it comes to respiratory infections. In such cases, the upper respiratory tract is the entry site of pathogen invasion, thus strong immune response should be ensured onsite. Our invention increases mucosal immunity in the upper respiratory tract with a buccal booster dose following an initial intramuscular injection.
We present a novel approach for delivering vaccines and other therapeutic nucleic acids, which uses mucoadhesive films consisting of two layers. The first is a mucoadhesive layer with the active ingredient, which ensures a targeted dissolution through the buccal mucosa within 30–60 minutes. The second one is an impermeable layer that prevents losses in the oral cavity, thereby enhancing absorption.
The key advantage of our technology is that a combination of specific polymers also enables tailored dissolution profiles, allowing for either a rapid or controlled release of the active ingredients. Another benefit is accessibility. By eliminating the need for needles, vaccination programs can become more affordable, safer, accessible, and more acceptable for those who are afraid of needles.
Developed by: Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology.
Technology readiness level: TRL4–5.
Status of intellectual property: Patent pending.
Cooperation opportunities: Joint development or intellectual property licensing.
Scientific and academic papers
Esih, H., Mezgec, K., Billmeier, M., Malenšek, Š., Benčina, M., Grilc, B., Vidmar, S., Morgan, T., Jordan, I., Sandig, V., Schrödel, S., Thirion, C., Wagner, R., Lainšček, D., Jerala, R. (2024).
Mucoadhesive film for oral delivery of vaccines for protection of the respiratory tract.
Journal of Controlled Release. 2024, 371, 179-192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.05.041.