Congratulations to the Research Teams
We applaud the collaborative work of researchers from the University of New Mexico (UNM), Duke University, RTI International, and CellMosaic Inc. for the publication of their recent paper in NPJ Vaccines, titled:
"Two doses of QB virus-like particle vaccines elicit protective antibodies against heroin and fentanyl”
Published: March 28, 2025 | DOI: 10.1038/s41541-025-01105-0
Authors: Isabella G. Romano, Susan B. Core, Andzoa N. Jamus, Bryce Chacherain, Kathryn M. Frietze (UNM); Brandi Johnson-Weaver, Herman Staats, William C. Wetsel (Duke University); Marcus Brackeen, Bruce Blough (RTI International); and Yumei Huang, Subhakar Dey (CellMosaic Inc.)
Addressing the Opioid Crisis
OUD is characterized by the misuse of prescription drugs and opioid derivatives. Over the last several decades opioids such as heroin and fentanyl have contributed greatly to the rising overdose rates. In 2022 there were approximately 107,000 drug overdose deaths of those over 70% could be attributed to opioids, a total of approximately 82,000 overdose deaths, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While treatments such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naloxone (Narcan) are currently available, they present challenges including the need for daily dosing, limited accessibility, and – in the case of Narcan- dependence on others during overdose emergencies.
Vaccines – A Proactive Solution
Vaccines offer a proactive approach to treating OUD and preventing overdoses. These vaccines work by prompting the immune system to generate antibodies that bind to opioid molecules, preventing them from crossing the blood-brain barrier. As a result, the drugs are unable to produce their addictive and harmful effects.
However, opioids on their own do not trigger a strong immune response. To overcome this, researchers conjugate opioid derivatives to immunogenic carriers such as keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) or tetanus toxoid (TT). Earlier vaccine candidates using these carriers showed promise but required three or more doses to be effective.
The development of a two-dose vaccine that produces high-titer, long-lasting, and protective antibody responses could be a game-changer—especially for underserved populations with limited access to medical care.
The QB Virus-Like-Particle (VLP) Design
In this newly published study, researchers detail their work using a Qβ virus-like particles (VLPs)—a highly immunogenic structure derived from RNA bacteriophage Qβ. These VLPs offer several advantages:
- High-density repetitive structure for strong immune activation
- Thermostability and scalability
- Low production cost
- Favorable safety profile in humans
- Compatibility with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards
Using this platform, the team created vaccine candidates targeting heroin, fentanyl, and a combination of both. This builds on prior work from the same group that focused on an oxycodone vaccine candidate.
CellMosaic’s Role in the Collaboration
Since 2019, we have been working with Professor Frietze’s lab to design and synthesize opioid derivatives suitable for conjugation to Qβ VLPs. The resulting Qβ vaccines, tested in animal models after one or two immunizations demonstrated the ability to produce durable, high-avidity, high-titer antibody responses. Importantly, these vaccines showed protective capabilities against heroin and fentanyl challenge after two immunizations.
Looking Ahead
This research represents a promising advancement in the fight against opioid addiction. While there are no FDA-approved vaccines yet for substances like heroin, fentanyl, nicotine, or cocaine, studies like this bring us closer to a future without drug overdose deaths.
To explore more about this groundbreaking study and the collaborative effort behind it, read the full publication here, and stay tuned for future developments.
About Frietze’s Lab at University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
The Frietze lab studies the antibody response to infectious and chronic disease with a goal of translating that knowledge into new vaccines. For more information, please visit the lab’s website.
About CellMosaic® Inc.
CellMosaic is a Massachusetts-based biotech company specializing in the research and drug bioconjugate market. Bioconjugates are widely used as research tools, diagnostic reagents, and novel drug modalities, such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), antibody-oligo conjugates (AOCs). Since its founding in 2008, CellMosaic® has invested significant research efforts in developing core technologies to address two major challenges in the field: advanced bioconjugation processes for producing high-quality bioconjugates and AqT® technologies for efficiently loading large amounts of hydrophobic small molecules onto biomolecules. Operating from its U.S. facility, CellMosaic® currently offers bioconjugation-related reagents and kits, customer bioconjugation services, contract bioconjugate development and manufacturing, and strategic partnerships for developing proprietary innovative AqT® ADC using its novel AqT® linker-modified drugs.