Summary:

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) seeks research co-development partners and/or licensees for Chimeric VLP Vaccines to Prevent HTLV-1 Infection.

Description of Technology:

There is currently no approved vaccine to prevent human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-1) infection, a highly oncogenic virus linked to serious diseases like adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) and Tropical Spastic paraparesis /HTLV-1-Associated Myelopathy (HAM/TSP). Existing interventions are limited to behavioral prevention, leaving millions at risk, especially in underserved global regions. A safe and effective vaccine is urgently needed to fill this critical public health gap.

This invention is a nucleic acid-based vaccine that generates virus-like particles (VLPs) in the body using HTLV-1 Env and gag proteins to trigger a protective immune response against HTLV-1 infection. With no approved vaccines available and millions at risk—particularly in underserved regions—this first-of-its-kind solution addresses a critical public health need. It offers broad protection across HTLV-1 subtypes and is currently being tested in non-human primates, with strong potential for future clinical development and commercial interest.

Potential Commercial Applications:

• HTLV-1 Infection
• Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL)
• Tropical Spastic paraparesis /HTLV-1-Associated Myelopathy (HAM/TSP)

Competitive Advantages:

• No approved HTLV-1 vaccines
• Preventative vaccine to reduce healthcare costs and economic burden of treating people developing related diseases