Amyris announced that it entered into a collaboration agreement and exclusive license with the IDRI in October 2020 to advance a novel RNA vaccine platform, including the development of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Preliminary data from the study of a self-adjuvanting RNA COVID-19 vaccine candidate developed using IDRI's nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) vaccine platform demonstrated a significant level of antibody production against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

Manufacturing of the vaccine is possible with easily sourced components, including Amyris' sustainable sugarcane squalene, which would replace the use of traditional shark-derived squalene in vaccines. The Amyris-IDRI platform's manufacturing process is also designed with a well-established oil-in-water emulsion technology.

The Amyris-IDRI COVID-19 vaccine candidate can be stored at refrigerator temperatures for prolonged periods and for several months at room temperature, potentially improving vaccine distribution.

The Amyris-IDRI vaccine platform will be advancing to phase I clinical trials with the support of the Portuguese government and other partners.