Eurostarsproject, New-Vac, 5934, Isconova AB, New vaccines against intracellular pathogens in salmom

Purpose and goal

All aims about new fish Matrix development are achieved; Evaluation of alternate phospholipid and new saponin raw material, definition of saponin raw material processing, protocol for fish Matrix formulation. Development of methods for immune response evaluation in fish are largely fulfilled; Methods for handling large and small fish and blood and organ preparation, protocol and validation of methods for analysis of antibody response, protocol for cell preparation of head kidney and thymus and also cell proliferation and phagocytosis. The latter (phagocytosis) is not achieved.

Results and expected effects

The aims (deliverables, DL) that were set up for Novavax part in this project have been fulfilled in principle, but the commercial goal to develop one or several new specific salmon vaccines containing Matrix, which were to be commercialized by way of Pharmaq, has not been fulfilled. This because of Matrix together with the antigens in question in water based vaccines or in Pharmaq oil-based polyvalent vaccines do not give better protection but rather decreased long-time protection compared to existing vaccines.

Approach and implementation

The project design was ambitious and created big challenges, but was carried out successfully within the timeframes. Regarding the development of Matrix for fish all aims (DL) were reached, except the aim concerning the development of a new Matrix-A, which was fulfilled a month later than scheduled. The establishment of methods for evaluation of immune response in fish was in some cases time consuming. The majority of all aims (DL) were reached, though somewhat later than planned. To sum up, the project design and the practical carrying through of the project have been successful.