Through the partnership, Atum will utilize its Leap-in-Transposase platform to develop the cell line required for Phylex's universal severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus vaccine candidate.

The Phylex antigen candidate contains epitopes similar to the receptor-binding domain of the SARS coronavirus spike protein. Copies of the antigen are displayed on a virus-like particle that self-assembles after being secreted by the cell line in development by Atum.

The collaboration will enable Phylex to develop the vaccine candidate while simultaneously conducting immunogenicity studies, noted co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Pascal Brandys in a press release. Brandys added that the company's objective is to develop a universal vaccine candidate with an associated manufacturing and clinical development plan by fall 2020.

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