Malvern biotech company, Missouri university partner to bring COVID-19 vaccine to market

Malvern-based Ocugen, a biotechnology company focused on gene and cell therapies and vaccines, recently entered into an exclusive license agreement with Missouri’s Washington University for the rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize a COVID-19 vaccine in the United States, Europe, and Japan.

Ocugen’s intranasal vaccine candidate was previously authorized for emergency use in India. The company plans to work closely with U.S. government agencies to initiate clinical trials, manufacture the intranasal vaccine, and pursue funding and investment options.

The vaccine is a mucosal vaccine delivered through the nose. This has the potential to generate rapid local immunity in the nose, mouth, upper airways, and lungs, the company said. It can be used as an alternative for people who are hesitant to receive injectable vaccines.

“Washington University’s COVID-19 nasal vaccine technology has been shown to induce strong mucosal immunity with potential to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection, transmission, and the emergence of new variants,” Dr. Shankar Musunuri, Ocugen co-founder chairman and CEO, said. “As the effort to end the pandemic focuses on effective booster options, Ocugen is excited about the potential for this vaccine to be a universal booster, regardless of previous COVID-19 vaccination history. We look forward to working with U.S., European, and Japanese regulators to expedite development.”