Oxford News
Oxford and Serum Institute of India sign IP license agreement to advance NipahB vaccine candidate
Under the terms of the agreement, SII has been granted a non-exclusive, worldwide licence in the field of Nipah virus vaccines, enabling the company to support the development, manufacture and potential future supply of the vaccine candidate developed at the University of Oxford.
Nipah virus is a zoonotic pathogen associated with severe disease and high mortality, with outbreaks reported primarily in South and Southeast Asia since it was first identified in Malaysia in 1999. Despite the significant threat it poses to public health, there are currently no approved vaccines available to prevent Nipah virus infection.
The development of the ChAdOx1 NipahB vaccine candidate is being funded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and is based on the ChAdOx1 viral vector platform developed at the University of Oxford. Preclinical studies have demonstrated promising results, including strong immune responses in animal models and protection against infection in two in-vivo models.
Clinical-grade vaccine has been produced and a Phase 2a clinical trial has been initiated to evaluate the candidate’s safety and immunogenicity in humans. Subject to the results of these early studies, the programme is expected to progress to further clinical evaluation, including Phase 2b trials in regions where Nipah virus outbreaks occur.
Because outbreaks are typically sporadic and relatively small, conventional large-scale efficacy trials may be difficult to conduct. Regulatory pathways may therefore rely on a combination of clinical safety and immunogenicity data, preclinical evidence and data collected during outbreak responses, alongside established regulatory frameworks for vaccines against emerging infectious diseases.
Professor Brian Angus, Professor of Medical Practice at the Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, and Chief Investigator of the trial at the Oxford Vaccine Group, said: ‘With mortality rates of up to 70%, and recurring outbreaks across South and Southeast Asia, Nipah virus poses a serious and ongoing threat to vulnerable communities. Our focus at Oxford is to turn scientific discovery into vaccines that could help prevent future outbreaks and save lives, and this collaboration with the Serum Institute of India represents an important step towards achieving that goal.’
Dr Umesh Shaligram, Executive Director, Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd., said: ‘Serum Institute of India is pleased to collaborate with the University of Oxford to advance the development of the ChAdOx1 NipahB vaccine candidate. Drawing on our experience with the ChAdOx1 platform and our global manufacturing capabilities, we look forward to supporting the continued clinical development of this vaccine candidate and contributing to efforts to strengthen preparedness against emerging infectious diseases such as Nipah virus.’
Oxford University Innovation (OUI), the University’s innovation partner, supported the licensing arrangement between the University of Oxford and Serum Institute of India, to advance the ChAdOx1 NipahB vaccine candidate towards development and manufacture.
Dr Matthew Carpenter, Deputy Head of Licensing and Ventures for Life Sciences at OUI, said: ‘We’re proud to have supported the University in securing this licensing arrangement with Serum Institute of India. In the context of emerging infectious diseases such as Nipah virus, choosing the right partner is critical. Our role is to help move promising research from the laboratory into the hands of organisations with the expertise and scale to develop and deliver vaccines where they’re needed most. This agreement reflects Oxford’s commitment to translating scientific discovery into global health impact.’
Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO, CEPI, said: ‘Nipah virus remains one of the world’s most dangerous pathogens, capable of triggering severe outbreaks with high mortality and with no approved vaccines currently available. Building on CEPI’s significant investments to advance global Nipah virus preparedness, we are proud to support the development of the ChAdOx1 NipahB vaccine candidate. This collaboration between the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India exemplifies the power of pairing scientific innovation with world-class manufacturing capabilities. Together, we are strengthening the global ecosystem needed to rapidly develop, produce and deliver vaccines in response to future Nipah outbreaks, wherever they may occur.’
The Grade II listed property on St John Street, which is up for sale, offers more than 2,900 square feet of living space spread over four floors.
It features a large family room, a kitchen/breakfast area, large bedrooms, a west-facing courtyard garden, and a separate annexe, and is being sold with “no onward chain.”
Inside, the main house boasts four bedrooms and a reconfigured interior.
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The lower ground floor features a wooden-floored family room, a utility room, and a modern shower room.
On the ground floor, there is a parlour room with a feature fireplace, and a kitchen/breakfast area that opens onto a walled courtyard garden.
The first floor offers two double bedrooms, one with an ensuite bathroom, while the second floor features the principal bedroom, bathroom, and a dressing room.
The annexe, accessible from the courtyard, has its own sitting room, a first-floor vaulted bedroom, and a lower ground floor bathroom.
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St John Street, known for its Georgian-style Grade II listed terraced houses, is situated in the heart of Oxford and was developed around 1830.
The area is close to top-rated state and independent schools, including The Dragon School, Oxford High School for Girls, Cherwell School, St Edward’s School, d’Overbroeck’s College, St Philip & James School, Summerfields School, Christchurch College School, New College School, and Magdalen College School.
The property is also near the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford colleges, and the Oxford railway station.
Thames Valley Police has released a CCTV image as it asks for the public’s help in identifying a man who may have vital information about the incident at Templars Shopping Centre in Cowley.
The reported ‘sexual assault’ happened when a woman in her 20s was inappropriately touched over her clothing at around 3pm on Tuesday, June 30.
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No arrests have been made at this time and the police has asked for anyone with any information to come forward as soon as possible.
Investigating officer PC Emily Rice said: “We are releasing this CCTV image as we believe the individual pictured may have information that could assist our investigation.
“If this is you, or if you recognise the person shown in the image, please contact Thames Valley Police.”
Anyone with information can make a report to the police online or call 101, quoting reference 43260331880.
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Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through its website.
Appeals for public help in finding individuals by the police can relate to suspects, witnesses or others who may have vital information in relation to the incident.
They do not mean the person is to blame nor do they imply guilt.
The scheme, which took effect on August 28, includes a wide range of furniture and home essentials.
In a statement, IKEA said: “From much-loved favourites to everyday essentials, customers can discover New Lower Prices both online and in-store, helping make it easier to create a home you love, whatever your budget.”
Among the discounted items is the KALLAX shelving unit, soon to be available for £49—down 18% from £60.
The HEMNES daybed, which functions as a sofa, single bed, double bed, and storage unit, will be reduced by 15% from £329 to £279.
In addition to these savings, IKEA is offering more than 1,000 exclusive in-store-only prices with discounts up to 25%.
The company said: “In time for cosy season, in stores nationwide, IKEA is also offering 20% off throws, bedspreads, candles, floor and table lamps, plus selected rugs, thermal curtains, seasonal duvets and cookware, from 7th September to 1st November nationwide.”
The history of IKEA
IKEA was founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad when he was just 17 years old.
Originally, the company sold small goods such as pens and wallets, but in 1948, Kamprad expanded into furniture.
This was facilitated by Ingvar’s father, who gave him a small sum of money for doing well in school, which he used to set up a company.
In 1953, the company adopted flatpack furniture, solving costly transportation problems.
IKEA grew steadily throughout the 1950s in Sweden, before expanding into Denmark and Norway in the 1960s.
By the 1970s, the brand had entered markets in Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Switzerland.
The first UK store opened in Warrington in 1987, marking the start of IKEA’s growth in the British market.
Today, IKEA employs nearly 12,000 people across its 22 UK locations.
Have you bought items from IKEA before? Let us know in the comments.
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