Soligenix Applies for CEPI Grant to Develop Thermostable Bundibugyo Vaccine Demonstrating 100% NHP Protection
SNGX•Soligenix plans to submit a CEPI proposal by June 12, 2026 to fund a thermostable subunit vaccine against Bundibugyo virus, leveraging its ThermoVax platform. Its filovirus vaccines have shown up to 100% protection in non-human primates and stability for at least two years at 40°C.
1. CEPI Funding Opportunity
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations has issued a call for proposals to develop a Bundibugyo virus vaccine, with applications due on June 12, 2026. Soligenix, in partnership with Dr. Axel Lehrer at the University of Hawaiʻi, intends to leverage existing antigen and adjuvant formulations to secure funding for rapid development.
2. ThermoVax Platform and Preclinical Data
Soligenix’s ThermoVax platform combines recombinant glycoprotein antigens against Ebola, Sudan, Marburg and Bundibugyo viruses with CoVaccine HT adjuvant. Preclinical studies demonstrate durable immunogenicity in mice and up to 100% protection in non-human primates following lethal virus challenge.
3. Vaccine Stability and Manufacturing
The subunit vaccines are lyophilized into a heat-stable powder that remains effective for at least two years at 40°C and can be reconstituted with sterile water at the point of use. Manufacture relies on a scalable protein expression process and GRAS excipients to enable ambient temperature distribution.
4. Next Steps and Regulatory Benefits
Upon submission, Soligenix aims to advance the Bundibugyo vaccine into development, potentially stockpiling doses for endemic regions and outbreak response. Existing orphan drug designations for related filovirus vaccines provide seven-year exclusivity, FDA fee waivers and trial funding advantages.
