New Data Supports DNA Vaccine Delivery via Vaxxas’ HD-MAP Technology
Vaxxas, a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in a novel vaccination platform, announced today the publication of data validating the effectiveness of its high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP) technology for delivering nucleic acid-based vaccines. This breakthrough research was conducted in collaboration with The University of Queensland and Technovalia, an Australian vaccine developer.
Vaxxas, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on transforming vaccine delivery, has announced the publication of data demonstrating the effective delivery of DNA-based vaccines using its proprietary high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP) technology. This breakthrough data was generated in collaboration with The University of Queensland and Australian vaccine developer Technovalia. The study highlights the potential of HD-MAPs for enhancing the efficacy and immune response of vaccines, paving the way for more effective, needle-free vaccination methods that could reduce storage requirements and improve accessibility.
The HD-MAP technology, which delivers a dry formulation of vaccines to the skin, targets the dense network of immune cells just beneath the skin’s surface. This innovative approach could lead to vaccines that are more effective at lower doses, reduce the need for refrigeration, and even enable self-administration, making vaccines easier and cheaper to distribute globally. By bypassing the need for traditional injection-based delivery, HD-MAP offers a significant leap forward in the fight against infectious diseases, including COVID-19, and could become a vital tool in future vaccine development.
The recently published study, led by Associate Professor David Muller at The University of Queensland, investigated the use of Vaxxas’ HD-MAP technology to deliver Technovalia’s DNA-based COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine, which encodes the SARS-CoV-2 antigen, was administered to animals in a preclinical model. The results demonstrated that the HD-MAP technology successfully delivered the vaccine and triggered strong immune responses, including robust antibody production and virus-neutralizing antibodies. Notably, the study showed that the HD-MAP delivery method generated a more diverse antibody response and more robust mucosal immune responses compared to traditional intramuscular needle and syringe (N/S) delivery.
The study also revealed that the HD-MAP vaccination induced strong T cell responses, including both CD4+ helper T cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. Importantly, the number of polyfunctional CD4+ T cells was higher in the HD-MAP-vaccinated animals compared to those vaccinated with conventional N/S injection. CD4+ T cells are essential for the activation of both CD8+ T cells, which kill infected cells, and B cells, which produce antibodies. The ability of HD-MAP to induce a stronger CD4+ T cell response suggests it may offer a more durable and effective immune response, a key factor for long-lasting protection against diseases like COVID-19.
In addition to its potential in infectious disease vaccines, DNA-based vaccines have garnered attention for their promise in cancer immunotherapy. Vaxxas sees this as a significant opportunity for its HD-MAP technology, which could be used to enhance the delivery and efficacy of cancer treatments. The success of this study further supports the expanding role of HD-MAPs in the delivery of next-generation vaccines, including for oncology applications.
“We are thrilled with the results of this study, as they demonstrate that HD-MAP delivery not only induces a superior T-cell response but also offers the potential to generate a more diverse and effective immune response compared to traditional needle-based delivery methods,” said A/Prof. Muller. “These T-cells play a crucial role in the body’s adaptive immune response, and this study suggests that HD-MAP could be a game changer in vaccine efficacy.”
The study builds upon Vaxxas’ previous successes in vaccine delivery, including its ongoing work with mRNA vaccines. In January 2025, Vaxxas received approval to advance a CEPI-funded program that demonstrated excellent thermostability and effective delivery of an mRNA vaccine using HD-MAP technology. This continued success in both DNA and mRNA vaccine delivery underscores the versatility and potential of Vaxxas’ platform in addressing a broad range of infectious diseases.
David L. Hoey, CEO of Vaxxas, expressed excitement about the data generated in collaboration with A/Prof. Muller and his team. “These results provide further validation of the potential benefits of HD-MAP technology across a wide variety of vaccines,” Hoey said. “The ability to induce a stronger, more diverse immune response is especially important for respiratory diseases like COVID-19, where mucosal immunity plays a crucial role.”
In addition to its promise in infectious disease vaccines, the HD-MAP platform is also being explored for use in cancer treatments. Vaxxas is conducting preclinical studies to evaluate the effectiveness of DNA vaccines for cancer immunotherapy. “We are optimistic about the potential for HD-MAP to enhance the delivery of cancer vaccines and expect to share positive results from this work in the near future,” Hoey added.
The collaboration with The University of Queensland and Technovalia highlights Australia’s growing role as a hub for innovative vaccine development. Laurent Dapremont, CEO of Technovalia, emphasized the importance of the collaboration, saying, “We are excited about the potential of HD-MAP technology in delivering DNA vaccines effectively. This partnership with Vaxxas and other leading Australian organizations is a step toward advancing next-generation vaccines that are safer, more effective, and more accessible.”
Vaxxas is poised to continue its groundbreaking work in vaccine delivery, with a strong pipeline of preclinical and clinical studies. The company’s HD-MAP technology has already completed five successful Phase I clinical trials, involving over 500 participants, addressing diseases like COVID-19, flu, and measles. Vaxxas is also conducting its first U.S.-based clinical study for a pre-pandemic influenza vaccine, funded by the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).
As Vaxxas continues to advance its innovative HD-MAP technology, it is helping to shape the future of vaccine delivery—one that promises to be more efficient, accessible, and effective in addressing the world’s most pressing health challenges.
