Crucell’s patented virosome technology represents a new frontier in vaccinology, simultaneously improving the delivery of specific antigens to target immune cells, while bypassing the problems of conventional adjuvant-based vaccines. Thus virosomes stimulate antibody and cellular immune responses against the inserted antigens of a human pathogen.

Virosomes are completely biodegradable and virosome-based vaccines do not exert the adverse reactions usually associated with adjuvant activity. Virosome formulations are compatible with intramuscular, intradermal and intranasal administration and are broadly applicable with almost any given antigen.

Two marketed products validate virosome technology: vaccines against hepatitis A and influenza. These products are registered for human use in more than 40 countries and have been administered to more than 30 million individuals. Virosomal vaccines have been shown to elicit highly protective immune responses with excellent safety profiles. Side effects are much less frequent after the application of virosomal vaccines compared to alum-precipitated antigens.

Crucell has fully operational GMP laboratories dedicated to virosomal products with integrated upstream and downstream capacities up to a scale of several 100,000 doses. These units are used to develop and produce any new virosomal formulation under strict cGMP conditions.