Malaria, a devastating mosquito-borne disease, continues to pose a significant global health challenge. Fina Biosolutions aims to tackle this issue by leveraging the SBIR grant to enhance the development of TBVs, specifically targeting the prevention of the malaria parasite's transmission through the mosquito gut.

The FinaXpress platform, known for its versatility and efficiency, will play a pivotal role in this project. The platform will be employed to produce three TBV antigens genetically fused with CRM197, a strategy aimed at boosting their immunogenicity. Typically, TBV antigens exhibit poor immunogenicity, and to address this challenge, Fina Biosolutions will employ CRM-antigen nanoparticles to enhance the immune response. The use of genetic fusions is expected to eliminate the need for chemical conjugation, streamlining the manufacturing process.

One of the key advantages of Fina Biosolutions' approach is the utilization of the low-cost E. coli expression system in conjunction with the FinaXpress platform. This combination is anticipated to significantly reduce the manufacturing costs associated with the TBV, making the vaccine more accessible and affordable on a global scale.

FinaBio’s EcoCRM®(CRM197), a critical component of the project, is currently produced using the FinaXpress platform. This platform has demonstrated its capability to yield high quantities of soluble, disulfide bond proteins in the cytoplasm, ensuring the production of high-quality antigens essential for an effective TBV.

"We are immensely grateful for the NIH's support and recognition of the potential impact of our work in advancing malaria prevention strategies," said Spokesperson's at Fina Biosolutions. "This grant will accelerate our efforts to develop an effective and affordable malaria transmission-blocking vaccine, bringing us one step closer to addressing a major global health concern."

Fina Biosolutions remains committed to pushing the boundaries of vaccine development, and with the NIH grant, the company is poised to make significant strides in the fight against malaria. The collaborative effort between Fina Biosolutions, the NIH, and the global health community underscores the shared commitment to creating innovative solutions for pressing global health challenges.