Virax Biolabs Partners with University of Manchester and Northern Care Alliance for COVID-19 Immune Response Research

22 December 2023

Virax Biolabs Group Limited (NASDAQ: VRAX) has recently entered into a strategic collaboration with the University of Manchester and the Northern Care Alliance Foundation Trust. The partnership is aimed at conducting translational immunology research, specifically focusing on respiratory viral infections. Virax plans to utilize its innovative ViraxImmune IVD platform to enhance the understanding of T-cell immune responses in COVID patients through the ImRESP (Immunology of Respiratory Conditions) study.

The ImRESP clinical study will assess the ViraxImmune T-Cell assay in patients with respiratory diseases, emphasizing the role of memory T-cell-driven immunity. Additionally, a specific cohort of patients experiencing Long COVID symptoms will undergo a longitudinal assessment of samples to identify phenotypic T-cell profiles associated with Long COVID.

James Foster, the CEO of Virax Biolabs, highlighted the significance of the research collaboration, stating that the generated data will contribute to the ongoing development of their In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) test for Long COVID. The ultimate goal is to facilitate early detection and effective treatment management for individuals with Long COVID.

Dr. Sean Knight, Chief Investigator for the ImRESP study, emphasized the importance of identifying and characterizing patients with disordered inflammation, a central issue for many diagnosed with Long COVID. The study is seen as a crucial step in rationalizing future therapies for post-viral syndromes and conditions associated with chronic inflammation.

This collaboration reflects Virax Biolabs' commitment to advancing diagnostic capabilities and understanding immune responses, particularly in the context of post-viral syndromes. The partnership with the University of Manchester is considered a significant stride towards developing innovative solutions for diagnosing and managing such syndromes.

ImRESP, sponsored by the Northern Care Alliance Foundation Trust in the UK, is an observational study designed to evaluate the long-term effects of respiratory infections on the immune system across various contexts, including Long COVID and the progression of chronic lung disease.

 

Source: prnewswire.com