Our paper on the efficacy and safety of sublingual vaccine in influenza was published in the scientific journal Vaccines.
　Furthermore, this paper was selected for the cover of ”Vaccines, Volume 12, Issue 6 (June 2024)”, which features 139 articles, and has garnered significant attention from researchers.
　Cover URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-393X/12/6

Title of the Thesis：
　Molecular Events in Immune Responses to Sublingual Influenza Vaccine with Hemagglutinin Antigen and Poly(I:C) Adjuvant in Nonhuman Primates, Cynomolgus Macaques
　Journal title：Vaccines
　Author Name： Tetsuro Yamamoto, Makoto Hirano, Fusako Mitsunaga, Kunihiko Wasaki, Atsushi Kotani,　Kazuki Tajima, Shin Nakamura
　DOI：https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12060643
　URL：https://www.mdpi.com/2076-393X/12/6/643

Thesis Outline：
　Sublingual administration of influenza virus HA antigen and the adjuvant Poly(I:C) to cynomolgus monkeys induced both mucosal and systemic immune responses. For mucosal immunity, HA antigen-specific secretory IgA was produced in saliva and nasal lavage fluid. For systemic immunity, HA antigen-specific IgA and IgG were produced in the blood. The safety of this vaccine was confirmed through blood tests. Additionally, the vaccine was shown not to increase inflammatory cytokines or upregulate gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

　Previously, we have reported on the utility of sublingual vaccines against SARS-CoV-2*, but the results of this study demonstrate efficacy against a different antigens, indicating the potential applicability of sublingual vaccines against a wide range of infectious diseases.

　Sublingual vaccines hold promise for ”ease of self-administration by patients”, ”broad efficacy ranging from infection prevention to reduction of severe cases” and ”high safety profile”. Through our research and development of sublingual vaccines, our company aims to realize a healthy society capable of responding to pandemic infectious diseases.

*Name of the Thesis：
　SARS-CoV-2 sublingual vaccine with RBD antigen and poly(I:C) adjuvant: Preclinical study in cynomolgus macaques
　DOI：10.1093/biomethods/bpad017
　URL：https://academic.oup.com/biomethods/article/8/1/bpad017/7266774

【About EPS Innovative Medicine (Japan) Co., Ltd.】
　EPS Innovative Medicine (Japan) Co., Ltd. is the core company of the drug discovery and development of the healthcare business operated by EPS Creative Health Technology Group Limited. Our business is to enhance the value of drug candidates and technologies introduced by our joint venture (JV), which is a company of our group, or those found in our research division, by combining the knowledge and know-how accumulated by EPS Group over many years and promoting clinical development on our own. We will then realize the manufacturing and launching in Japan and particularly in China or licensing them to our partner enterprises.