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.’
St Hugh’s School, a co-educational day school and boarding school for pupils aged three to 13, is located at Carswell Manor, and is about to launch a new senior school.
The independent school will welcome its first cohort of Year 9 pupils in September 2026, with the first group of GCSE pupils completing their studies in 2029.
READ MORE: UK private school prepares for expansion
The opening of the senior school follows the purchase of nearly 20 acres of land next to the existing site.
The newly acquired land will play a central role in the school’s strategic vision for the next five to 10 years.
To coincide with the launch of the senior school, free bus travel is being trialled for pupils.
The school said in a statement: “We are thrilled to share our new initiative for all our families in September 2026.
“Through our existing bus routes, and an additional Oxford route, we are offering our families a free bus service to and from school for pupils in Years 1-9.
“We are hoping this offering will support our families both financially and logistically, whilst delivering on our pledge to be more sustainable as a school and to reduce congestion within the local area.”
The school added buses can be booked for just morning or afternoon each day.
It said: “In addition, we will offer a free breakfast club for pupils in Year 1 and above who are unable to use our current offering of bus routes.
“Supper will also be available for all Year 3 pupils free of charge. This is an addition to our existing free wrap-around care provision before and after school for children from reception upwards.
“We hope that this initiative will offer families greater flexibility to ensure we support them logistically on a day-to-day basis.”
Both the free transport and meal provision will run as a trial for the 2026-2027 academic year, during which the school will assess enthusiasm, viability, and long-term sustainability.
If uptake remains strong, the school hopes to expand the offer further in future.
To ensure fair access for as many as possible, and to prevent block bookings for unused seats or meals, St Hugh’s will introduce a small charge to cover costs in cases where journeys or meals are missed at short notice.
St Hugh’s has been working closely with architects to shape a comprehensive development plan, including a new dining room, enhanced teaching spaces, and expanded facilities for the pre-prep, prep, and the new senior school which formally opens in June this year.
An open morning for prospective parents and pupils was held on May 8, and places at the senior school are now being advertised.
The party group has a new leadership team in place after it held its seats at the May 7 polls, but failed to make new gains in the authority.
Dr Chris Smowton, who led the group for four years and into the 2026 vote, has been replaced by Katherine Miles, who represents Summertown.
She said: “I am delighted to take the baton from Chris as we head into a critical period of time of change in our city.
“The local government re-organisation will reshape the way the city is run – we need to ensure Oxford has a strong voice.
“I will work to seek a fairer and more sustainable open economy in Oxford and tackle the dual climate and nature emergencies.”
Ms Miles was first elected in 2021 and has lived in Oxford for more than a decade.
Her background is in international development, women’s financial inclusion and climate risk insurance.
She added: “Thank you to Chris Smowton for his effective leadership of the group over the last four years. I look forward to continuing to work together.”
Dr Smowton, who represents Headington, will now be deputy leader of the group.
He said: “This is a vital year for Oxford as we go into a generational change in local government structure.
“I will work to hold the Labour minority to account and fight to ensure we deliver affordable housing, genuinely safe roads and a cleaner, greener city.”
Kitri, known for its bold and contemporary womenswear, made the announcement on social media earlier this week.
Haeni Kim, the brand’s founder, said it was the “only responsible path forward” after “exploring every possible avenue”.
Haeni added the decision to shut “had not come easily”, and described running the brand as “one of the greatest privileges” of her life.
Ms Kim launched the London-based label in 2017.
UK High Street Shops That No Longer Exist
Following the closure announcement, Kitri has launched an online clearance sale with up to 70 per cent off remaining stock.
In a statement shared online, the company said: “As we begin to wind down operations, we invite you to shop with KITRI one last time – including archive favourites and our final Spring Collection, all at reduced prices. Delivery and returns will continue as normal during this time.
“Thank you for the last nine years and I hope these pieces will continue to bring you joy for years to come.”
The announcement was met with disappointment from customers, who flooded Kitri’s Instagram with messages of support.
One comment read: “Genuinely panicked and heartbroken, I have loved your brand since the very beginning, no dresses for me like yours have.”
Another supporter took to the comments section to say: “I will continue to wear my Kitri pieces with pride and will always be proud to have been a Kitri girl.”
Another user wrote: “No this is tragic! I’m very sorry to read this and sending you a big hug and lots of luck for your next chapter.
“I will continue to wear my Kitri pieces with pride and will always be proud to have been a Kitri girl.”
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