Daijiworld Media Network - Tokya

Tokyo, Mar 11: NEC Corporation has announced a collaboration with Nagasaki University’s DEJIMA Infectious Disease Research Alliance for a groundbreaking vaccine development project, backed by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) with funding of up to ¥750 million.

The research aims to optimize "Nanoball," an innovative mRNA vaccine technology developed by Nagasaki University, and leverage NEC OncoImmunity’s artificial intelligence (AI) for identifying candidate proteins for a Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) vaccine. The tick-borne virus, part of the Phenuivirus family, poses a growing health threat in Japan and East Asia.

By encasing mRNA into Nanoball particles, the next-generation vaccine is expected to improve stability, enhance immune response, and eliminate the need for ultra-low temperature storage. This breakthrough could expand vaccine accessibility in remote and low-resource regions, particularly in developing nations.

CEPI CEO Dr. Richard Hatchett emphasized the urgency of preparedness, stating that this technology could play a crucial role in the global "100 Days Mission," which aims to develop vaccines for new outbreaks within three months.

Prof Takeshi Nagayasu, President of Nagasaki University, expressed pride in contributing to CEPI’s efforts, highlighting the importance of rapid vaccine development in preventing future pandemics. Meanwhile, NEC OncoImmunity CEO Dr. Saverio Niccolini affirmed the company’s commitment to fighting emerging diseases through cutting-edge AI-driven solutions.

If successful, the Nanoball platform could be adapted to develop vaccines against other deadly pathogens, including the potential ‘Disease X’ that could trigger a future pandemic.