HaloVax: Clay Nanotube-Based Vaccine Delivery Patches for the Sustained Release of an HIV Vaccine

Grapheno LLC will develop a sustained-release HIV vaccine delivery system using halloysite nanotube (HNT)-based transdermal patches. HIV affects 1.3 million people annually, including 350 new infections annually in the U.S. Military. Traditional vaccination methods requiring multiple doses lead to logistical challenges and reduced compliance. Our innovative approach uses HNTs as a controlled-release platform that delivers the vaccine over a 14-day period, eliminating the need for repeated injections and utilizing a proven approach for drug delivery.The objective is to encapsulate HIV antigens within HNTs with a vacuum-assisted method and cap the HNTs with biodegradable materials (such as dextran). As these materials naturally degrade, they provide stable, timed, and controlled transdermal delivery of the antigens. The project builds upon the expertise of our Principal Investigator, Dr. Yuri M. Lvov, who has spent decades developing HNT-based medical applications. In Phase I, we will verify the encapsulation and release capabilities of the HNTs and assess cell viability and immune responses through in vitro testing using piglet skin models. The system’s biocompatibility will be evaluated using MTT assays and cytokine analysis to confirm safety. These results will lead to Phase II, where we will conduct in vivo testing. We ultimately will offer a scalable solution to enhance military readiness by reducing new HIV cases and lowering treatment costs.