srRNA Rabies Vaccine Candidate Launches Study

Replicate Bioscience, a clinical-stage company pioneering its novel self-replicating RNA (srRNA) technology to overcome the limitations of current mRNA modalities, today announced the dosing of the first participant in a Phase 1 trial of its RBI-4000 vaccine for the prevention of rabies.

The Phase 1 trial will evaluate the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of RBI-4000 in 84 participants in the U.S.

In preclinical studies, intramuscular administration of RBI-4000 provided durable protection against the rabies virus, inducing antibody production and robust virus-specific T cells.

"Replicate's srRNA technology offers the potential for more robust and durable immune responses and improved tolerability at lower doses than existing mRNA approaches," commented Zelanna Goldberg, M.D., CMO of Replicate, in a press release on September 12, 2023.

"In infectious disease specifically, our srRNA technology unlocks opportunities to effectively address more complex infectious disease indications and allows us to rapidly develop vaccine candidates to treat or prevent illness — a crucial capability for future pandemic readiness."

According to the World Health Organization, Rabies is a vaccine-preventable viral disease found in more than 150 countries and territories. Rabies vaccination can prevent infections before and after exposure to the rabies virus.

Various rabies vaccines are approved and available in 2023.