A group of Bristol scientists developing a vaccine for a type of hantavirus have expressed their excitement after a significant breakthrough in their research. Ensilitech, a University of Bath spin-out now based at Science Creates in St Philips, has announced that its new antigen against hantaan has been tested in laboratories and has already shown positive results in animal trials.
Understanding Hantaviruses
Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by rodents, such as rats and mice, and transmitted through their droppings and saliva. These viruses can be found in parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America, and currently, there is no specific treatment or cure available. The hantaan strain, which Ensilitech is targeting, can cause haemorrhagic fever, with symptoms including headache, gastrointestinal issues, and renal dysfunction.
Collaboration and Progress
The company has been working closely with researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch and Cape Town-based biotech firm Afrigen. Dr Asel Sartbaeva, co-founder of Ensilitech, stated, "We wanted to work on a disease that is neglected. It is a completely new vaccine. It has been tested in labs and it works well on animals." The project has so far been funded by the government's Small Business Research Initiative, and Ensilitech is now seeking a continuation grant to move towards pre-clinical development and eventual human trials.
The Need for a Vaccine
Dr Sartbaeva highlighted the global importance of the vaccine, noting that around 200,000 people are infected with hantaan each year, often with severe outcomes. "We are living in a more and more globalised world where people travel to many places where these diseases are endemic, so there is a case for a travel vaccine," she added. If funding is secured, the vaccine could be ready for use in approximately three to four years.
Recent Outbreak Context
The announcement comes amid a recent outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius, where 10 people from the UK Overseas Territories of Saint Helena and Ascension Island were brought to Britain for self-isolation as a precaution. The UK Health Security Agency is monitoring the situation following three deaths on board. The World Health Organisation has warned of potential increases in hantavirus infections but currently assesses the global risk as low.
Dr Sartbaeva emphasised the economic sense of investing in prevention: "Preventing diseases is a lot cheaper than treating them. If we get more funding for development, the return on investment will be amazing. It's a no brainer economically speaking."
Ensilitech's Broader Technology
Founded in 2022 by Dr Sartbaeva and Dr Aswin Doekhie, Ensilitech has also developed a novel technology that allows vaccines and other biological materials to be transported and stored without refrigeration. The platform encases biopharmaceuticals in a tailored silica shell, protecting them from heat damage. Last year, this technology was recognised for improving access to life-saving treatments in regions with unreliable refrigeration.
