Frontier IP Group, PLC (LSE:FIPP) has reported major progress at portfolio company The Vaccine Group, whose two vaccine candidates for bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) have shown “outstanding” success in government-run animal trials.
The tests, carried out by the UK’s Animal and Plant Health Agency, found that the vaccines prevented infection and disease in calves exposed to the virus.
BRSV is one of the most damaging respiratory diseases affecting cattle, costing British farmers an estimated £54 million a year and up to £5.6 billion globally.
Frontier IP, which helps universities and researchers commercialise their technology, holds a 16.6% stake in The Vaccine Group, a spin-out from the University of Plymouth.
Calves vaccinated in the trials showed no significant symptoms, no detectable virus in nasal swabs and minimal lung damage, while unvaccinated animals suffered severe illness.
The results confirm the safety and effectiveness of the firm’s bovine herpesvirus-based platform, its first demonstration of immunity against a global livestock disease.
Unlike existing vaccines that use dead or modified virus particles, The Vaccine Group’s approach can be given to young animals that still carry maternal antibodies, which typically block traditional vaccines.
This could close a long-standing gap in protection for newborn calves.
TVG's chief executive, Jeremy Salt, called the findings “a fantastic endorsement of the platform”, adding that the vaccine offers “market-leading” potential.
Frontier IP’s Neil Crabb said the results were “exceptional” and validated the platform’s wider potential. The company is now seeking partners to advance the vaccines toward commercial development.