Federal Register #2026-13479

NCI Seeks Partners for Chimeric VLP Vaccine (HTLV-1) and CE1-Based HCC Therapeutic

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the Department of Health and Human Services, is seeking partners for the development and commercialization of two government-owned biomedical inventions: - Chimeric VLP Vaccine to Prevent HTLV-1 Infection - Nucleic acid-based vaccine that generates virus-like particles (VLPs) using HTLV-1 Env and gag proteins - Designed to trigger a protective immune response against HTLV-1, a virus linked to adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and HAM/TSP - Currently in preclinical testing; no approved vaccines exist for HTLV-1 - Broad protection across HTLV-1 subtypes - Conserved Viral Peptide (CE1)-Based Therapeutics for HCC Prevention and Treatment - Immunotherapy based on a conserved viral peptide (CE1) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) - In discovery stage; elicits T cell response to HCC cells - Potential for vaccine development and patient stratification - OEM: National Cancer Institute (NCI) is the originator of both inventions - Opportunity: NCI is seeking research co-development partners and/or licensees for further development, clinical testing, and commercialization - Notable requirements: - Focus on unmet medical needs in oncology and infectious disease - Emphasis on broad protection and innovative immunotherapy approaches - Both products are at early development stages (preclinical/discovery)

Description

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is seeking research co-development partners and/or licensees for a nucleic acid-based vaccine designed to prevent HTLV-1 infection. This vaccine generates virus-like particles (VLPs) using HTLV1 Env and gag proteins to trigger a protective immune response. There is currently no approved vaccine for HTLV1, a virus linked to serious diseases such as adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and Tropical Spastic paraparesis/HTLV1-Associated Myelopathy. The vaccine offers broad protection across HTLV1 subtypes and is in preclinical testing with strong potential for clinical development and commercial interest.

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