The funding will support studies of the spray applicator intended for use in the upcoming clinical trials of the company’s pneumococcal vaccine candidate Ab-01.12.

The studies of the spray applicator together with Abera’s vaccine form an important part of the final submission to regulatory authorities for approval to initiate clinical trials. The project is carried out in collaboration with Nanopharm, an Aptar Pharma company, and Radboud University Medical Center (RUMC).

“We are very pleased and proud of this grant, which comes at exactly the right time. The support from BactiVac finances activities that were already planned and budgeted as part of Abera’s preparations for clinical studies. Nevertheless, it is a very welcome contribution and an additional mark of quality on our work from a science-driven organization. Preparations for Phase 1 are well underway, and we are delighted to have such competent partners in the project,” says Maria Alriksson, CEO of Abera Bioscience.

Abera is currently preparing for the upcoming clinical trials. GMP production is planned for winter 2025/2026, and following submission to and approval by the authorities, the goal is to start clinical Phase 1 during 2026. The clinical study is planned to be conducted at RUMC, and planning is already underway together with their research team.

Ab-01.12

The pneumococcal vaccine candidate Ab-01.12 is based on Abera’s OMV technology and is administered intranasally. In Phase 1, the vaccine will be delivered using Aptar Pharma’s LuerVax nasal vaccine delivery system. The vaccine is designed to provide broad protection against pneumococcal infections and may contribute to reducing bacterial transmission, lowering infection rates, and consequently decreasing the use of antibiotics and the development of antibiotic resistance.

BactiVac

BactiVac, the Bacterial Vaccines Network, which is awarding this grant, is an international network funded by, among others, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The network supports the development of vaccines against bacterial diseases and provides funding that accelerates the transition from preclinical research to clinical trials.

Run for six months

The project will start on October 1, 2025 and run for six months. The grant totals £70,000 and covers actual costs in line with the project budget. Funds will be disbursed in three instalments: 50% at project initiation once the agreement is signed, 30% upon approval of the interim project report at the midpoint, and 20% upon approval of the final project report. Payments are made following approved interim and final reports that describe the project’s implementation in accordance with the agreed project description.