“We´re working on the development of a protein-based vaccine, which offers a great advantage compared with other vaccines that contain attenuated viruses," says Josefin.

“In addition, we have a completely unique approach, without being controversial. By taking account of how the infection behaves in humans, we have great opportunities to be successful in our studies," Åsa adds.

Long-term planning
“Our vaccine is produced biologically, unlike medicines that are produced synthetically, so the production process is long," says Josefin. “It will take a few years before the time has come to test on humans, and the research required will be extensive, costly and time-consuming," she emphasises. “It´s under those circumstances that we are now working hard to predict all imaginable future scenarios for the development and commercialisation process. It will therefore be extremely important to do the right things, in the right way and in the right order. We can´t afford to make any mistakes," she explains.

Innovation support builds value
The project is financed by soft loans and research grants, in part through verification support from GöteborgBIO and SahlgrenskaSciencePark and government money from Vinnova.

“Right now we're in the pre-clinical phase where the vaccine is being tested on animals, and with the funding we´ve obtained we can carry out the most critical studies," says Åsa.

“Obtaining verification grants is extremely valuable," Josefin emphasises. “It builds value, minimises risk and gives us greater opportunities to obtain future venture capital." 

Infectious and costly
Despite genital herpes affecting so many people around the world, it is an area of taboo.
“The infection can result in serious side-effects and cause great human suffering, and is estimated to cost as much as 1.3 billion dollars a year in the United States alone," says Åsa.
“The world is really in need of a vaccine for genital herpes."

Appreciated innovation environment
Simplexia is an innovation project from GIBBS and Encubator, and since the spring of 2011 has also been part of the Sahlgrenska Science Park incubator. Both Josefin and Åsa speak warmly of the support and appreciation they receive in the Gothenburg innovation environment.

“We really help one another and share experiences," says Åsa. Establishing a diagnosis for genital herpes is a future vision. “At a later stage we might very well be able to develop a test, based on the knowledge we now have in connection with the development of a vaccine," Åsa concludes.

www.simplexia.se

 
Notes and comments:
More than half a billion people around the world carry genital herpes infection according to a WHO study in 2003.
* Herpes simplex virus type 2, HSV-2