Synthetic genomics, a combination of synthetic biology and genome sequencing will be used to generate a range of synthetic flu virus strains which can turn out new strains rapidly, accelerating response times with targeted influenza vaccines for seasonal and pandemic flu outbreaks, was announced after Novartis and Synthetic Genomics Vaccines Inc. signed a 3-year collaboration agreement. Both companies will apply synthetic genomics technologies for influenza vaccine production. The venture is backed by an award from BARDA (U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority).

Synthetics genomics involves the designing of genomes using a computer; they are created in the lab using chemical techniques. When a specific flu vaccine seed virus is synthesized and inserted in a suitable cell, the initial ingredients for an influenza vaccine can be made. Synthetics genomics has the advantage of flexibility and speed when planning the production of an influenza vaccine in response to a new virus strain.

At the moment, vaccine creators rely on the World Health Organization (WHO) to identify live reference viruses when making pandemic or seasonal vaccines. Novartis and Synthetic Genomics Vaccines Inc. (SGVI) plan to build up a “bank” of synthetically created seed viruses which can go into production the moment WHO determines which flu strains need to be used. This could give vaccine manufacturers a two-month head start, compared to current available technologies, which during a pandemic could mean saving many lives.

Rino Rappuoli, Head of Research for Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, said:

Our research strategy has always been to apply new vaccine technologies and innovation to deliver better prevention methods and meet patient needs. We are pleased to work in collaboration with Craig Venter and SGVI to study and develop this promising and important new synthetic genomics technology. It has the potential to safely reduce the time needed to develop new vaccines and improve pre-pandemic preparedness.

Dr. Venter, founder and CEO of SGVI, said:

Synthetic Genomics Vaccines Inc is pleased to be working with Novartis on this key application of synthetic genomic technology. The Venter Institute has a long and successful history of working with Novartis and we are excited to extend this relationship with SGVI to use the latest advances in our science to improve and enhance vaccine development and production.

Vaccines resulting from synthetic genomics could be tested in large-scale clinical trials, Novartis believes. Before any commercial use, they would be submitted, reviewed and hopefully approved by countries’ regulatory agencies.

SVGI was created by Synthetic Genomics Inc., and the J. Craig Venter Institute, a non-profit making organization which is currently working on gene sequencing.

Source: Novartis

Written by Christian Nordqvist