
Trial Successes.
Research conducted at Germany's Friedrich Loeffler Institute confirmed that all vaccinated animals were fully protected against the foot-and-mouth disease virus. The vaccine demonstrated its effectiveness, as the animals not only showed no signs of shedding the pathogen but also showed no side effects. This is particularly important for livestock farming, where animal health directly impacts the industry's economic stability.
The innovative RNABL platform
is a key element of the vaccine's development. The patented RNABL platform creates biodegradable nanoparticles. These nanoparticles degrade after the RNA is delivered, triggering the body's immune response. Unlike traditional mRNA vaccines, the Tiba vaccine can be stored at standard refrigeration temperatures and remains stable at room temperature for at least a month. This makes it particularly suitable for use in livestock farming settings, where access to specialized equipment may be limited.
International collaboration
The development of the vaccine was made possible by an international project involving organisations such as the Elizabeth MacArthur Institute of Agriculture (EMAI), the University of New South Wales RNA Institute, the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) andMEAT & Livestock Australia (MLA). This collaboration has brought together scientists and experts from various fields, significantly accelerating the vaccine development and testing process.
The Economic Threat of Foot-and- Mouth Disease
(FMD) remains a serious threat to livestock production, particularly in countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, where the disease is endemic. New outbreaks are also being reported in Europe, highlighting the need for effective preventative measures. The Australian Bureau of Agricultural Economics and Sciences (ABARES) estimates that a potential introduction of the virus into the country could cost the economy up to AUD80 billion. This underscores the importance of developing effective vaccines and disease control measures.
Next Steps:
Despite the encouraging trial results, Tiba Biotech's vaccine must undergo a full evaluation cycle with veterinary regulators before being approved for commercial use. This includes additional clinical trials and safety analysis, which is standard practice in vaccine development. Successful completion of this process could lead to significant changes in approaches to foot-and-mouth disease prevention and improved animal health globally.
The development of Tiba Biotech's foot-and-mouth disease vaccine represents a significant step forward in veterinary medicine. Innovative technologies and international collaboration open new opportunities for combating infectious diseases in animals, which, in turn, can lead to improved economic conditions in livestock production and food security. It is important to continue supporting such initiatives and monitoring their development to ensure animal health and the stability of the agricultural economy.