On Jul. 13, 2020, Tonix Pharmaceuticals announced a new preclinical research and option agreement with Kansas State University (K-State) to develop a vaccine candidate for the prevention of COVID-19 that utilizes a novel live virus vaccine vector platform and the CD40-ligand, also known as CD154 or 5c8 antigen, to stimulate T cell immunity.

Under the research agreement, K-State will advance preclinical development of a live replicating virus vaccine to protect against COVID-19 based on bovine parainfluenza virus. Attenuated bovine parainfluenza virus has previously been shown to be an effective antigen delivery vector in humans. Notably and most importantly, following extensive testing in non-human primates, the attenuated BPI3V was shown to be well tolerated, infectious, immunogenic, and stable in infants and children. The vector is well suited for mucosal immunization using a nasal atomizer, but it can also be delivered parenterally.

The technology also includes a molecular stimulant called CD40-ligand, which triggers strong immunity including T cell responses. The vaccine is designed to potentially stimulate immunity against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The research will be directed by Dr. Waithaka Mwangi, Kansas State University, Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, who is the inventor of the new technology. In addition, K-State has granted Tonix an option for an exclusive license for the clinical and commercial use of K-State’s intellectual property associated with coronavirus vaccines under this relationship.