Novavax will provide adjuvant Matrix-M for vaccine research with 3-year partnership

Novavax, developers behind the Matrix-M adjuvant, have entered into an agreement with the Bill and Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute to provide the adjuvant in preclinical vaccine research.

Matrix-M, in particular, enhances the entry of antigen-presenting cells at the injection site, promoting their production at local lymph nodes. The ingredient is a key component in Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine, and the company has begun investigations into its use for vaccines in other disease areas. The saponin-based Matrix-M has also been utilised in global clinical and preclinical trials for human and animal vaccine development. 

The Bill and Melinda Gates Research Institute will be partnering with Novavax to further develop their own commitments to developing biomedical interventions addressing global health needs. “The Bill and Melinda Gates Research Institute is committed to developing biomedical interventions that address global health concerns for those in the greatest need,” stated Emilio Emini, PhD, CEO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute. “We look forward to working with Novavax’s Matrix-M adjuvant in some of our early-stage vaccine programs.” 

Novavax is committed to the discovery and development of vaccines against infectious diseases, as well as their commercialisation. “We are excited to partner with the Bill and Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute to include our unique technology in their public health-focused vaccine research efforts,” John Jacobs, President and CEO of Novavax, commented. “Our Matrix-M adjuvant is proven to enhance and broaden the immune system response when included in vaccines and is already a key component of COVID and malaria vaccines on the market today. We look forward to partnering more broadly with a variety of organisations so that our technology can benefit vaccine development across many disease areas.” 

Source: Novavax Announces Agreement with Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute to Include Matrix-M™ Adjuvant as Potential Component in Vaccine Research [Accessed June 6, 2023] https://ir.novavax.com/2023-06-05-Novavax-Announces-Agreement-with-Bill-Melinda-Gates-Medical-Research-Institute-to-Include-Matrix-M-TM-Adjuvant-as-Potential-Component-in-Vaccine-Research