DNA-based delivery of antiviral antibodies for Zika and Influenza prevention

RenBio proposes a two-pronged approach to evaluate the applicability of MYO Technology for DNA-based antiviral antibody delivery, using antibodies directed against Zika virus (ZIKV) and influenza A virus (IAV). The MYO Technology platform uses intramuscular electroporation to efficiently deliver antibody-encoding plasmid DNA to muscle cells, which then produce and secrete the antibody, delivering it to systemic circulation. Multiple proof-of-concept animal studies, including an IAV challenge study, have demonstrated efficacy with this approach, which has the potential to greatly improve access to antibodies by reducing costs and dosing frequency. The two aims of this proposal are to 1) complete IND-enabling preclinical activities to support the development of a potent anti-ZIKV antibody, and 2) evaluate the potential for the delivery of cocktails of anti-IAV antibodies for the prevention of disease. The first aim would complement an ongoing program partially funded by the US government via the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and conducted in collaboration with academic partners. The second aim would result in an assessment and mitigation of technical hurdles associated with DNA-based delivery of antibody cocktails, with proof-of-concept data generated in animal models of IAV infection. These two aims have the potential to significantly impact ZIKV and IAV disease prevention.