Virax Biolabs Group has recently entered into a pivotal Research Services Agreement (RSA) with the ADJUST Center at Emory University, formally known as the Center for the Advancement of Diagnostics for a Just Society. This partnership marks a significant advancement in Virax’s research efforts, aiming to shed light on immune profiling for individuals suffering from post-viral syndromes. The initial target for these studies will be post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2, commonly referred to as long COVID.
Long COVID has emerged as a serious health concern following the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting a substantial number of individuals who have recovered from the virus but continue to experience lingering symptoms. These symptoms can range from fatigue and brain fog to respiratory issues, significantly impacting a person’s quality of life. The collaboration between Virax and Emory University aims to enhance the understanding of how the immune system functions in these patients, thereby contributing to more effective diagnostics and, ultimately, more effective treatments.
As part of this agreement, the Emory Laboratory for Innovative Assay Development (ELIAD) will play a crucial role in the research. They will be responsible for a range of activities, including patient recruitment, testing, and analyzing clinical data generated from these studies. The aim is to produce clinical data that can support Virax’s forthcoming regulatory submissions. This data is not only expected to provide insights into immune profiling but will also aid in the potential commercial rollout of ViraxImmune.
Looking ahead, this collaboration aligns with Virax’s strategic planning for a pre-submission meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) scheduled for early September 2025. During this meeting, Virax plans to solicit the FDA’s feedback regarding the intended use and regulatory pathway for ViraxImmune, specifically in the context of its application for the treatment of PASC.
ViraxImmune represents a groundbreaking leap in the evaluation of immune responses. Unlike traditional antibody tests, which primarily measure antibody levels in the blood, ViraxImmune utilizes a proprietary T cell testing technology designed to assess a patient’s immune response profile more comprehensively. It evaluates T cell reactivity, providing a more detailed picture of immune health, especially in cases of chronic and post-viral conditions. This more nuanced approach may enhance healthcare providers’ ability to diagnose and manage conditions like long COVID by offering insights into the underlying immune mechanisms at play.
The partnership between Virax Biolabs Group and Emory University represents a significant step forward in the fight against post-viral syndromes, particularly long COVID. By focusing on immune response profiling through innovative T-cell testing technology, Virax is poised to make significant contributions to the understanding and management of this complex condition.
With their strategic preparations for FDA meetings and a commitment to generating robust clinical data, Virax Biolabs is on a promising path to developing effective diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. As the collaboration unfolds, it may not only enhance the understanding of immune responses in post-viral syndromes but also lay the foundation for future advancements in the field of immunology and biotechnology.
KEY QUOTES:
“Partnering with Emory University, one of the foremost institutions in immunology and clinical research, is an important step toward validating ViraxImmune in real-world patient populations. With millions suffering from long COVID and other post-viral conditions without effective diagnostic options, we believe ViraxImmune is uniquely positioned to fill this gap. This collaboration advances our broader U.S. market entry strategy and represents a significant opportunity to create long-term value for our shareholders as we work to establish Virax as a leader in immune profiling diagnostics.”
James Foster, Chief Executive Officer of Virax Biolabs
“PASC and other post-viral syndromes remain poorly understood and underdiagnosed. Immune profiling technologies could provide critical insights into patient immune function, enabling more precise diagnosis and potentially guiding treatment strategies.”
Dr. Wilbur A. Lam, MD, PhD, Professor of Pediatrics and Biomedical Engineering at Emory University and Georgia Tech, and Director of the ADJUST Center
