GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA (GSK), a global leader in pharmaceuticals, and Imperial College London have announced a significant partnership.

This landmark agreement marks the beginning of an intensive exploration into the safety and efficacy of next generation thermostable RNA formulations and is a step forward in the realm of RNA-based vaccines through a 12-month validation study. 

The nanoparticles, inspired by nature and developed by Professor Rongjun Chen and co-inventors at Imperial, have shown remarkable promise in protecting RNA-based vaccines and therapeutics and carrying them more effectively into cells. These formulations can enhance stability even at tropical temperatures and substantially reduce the dosage required for treatment.

"This partnership with GSK signifies a pivotal moment in our journey to unlock the full potential of RNA-based vaccines and therapeutics," commented Professor Rongjun Chen. "We are thrilled to embark on this validation study, confident that our innovative formulations will pave the way for safer, more effective and affordable treatments against a range of diseases."

This partnership with GSK signifies a pivotal moment in our journey to unlock the full potential of RNA-based vaccines and therapeutics. Rongjun Chen Professor of Biomaterials Engineering

Through this partnership, GSK aims to harness the transformative potential of Imperial’s technologies to advance the development of thermostable RNA-based vaccines. By combining GSK's expertise in pharmaceutical development with Imperial’s ground-breaking formulations, the collaboration holds promise for revolutionising the landscape of vaccine and therapeutic delivery.

The patented technologies have stemmed from the Future Vaccine Manufacturing Research Hub at Imperial, funded by the Department of Health and Social Care using UK Aid funding and managed by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Additional links

-Technology Datasheet on Imperial.tech website
-GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)