Replicate Bioscience, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing self-replicating RNA (srRNA) technologies, has received a research grant of approximately USD 3 million from the Gates Foundation to accelerate the development of tuberculosis (TB) vaccines.

The grant marks the third funding award the company has received from the foundation and will support efforts to develop safe, effective and globally accessible TB vaccine candidates using Replicate’s clinically validated srRNA platform.

Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, particularly affecting low- and middle-income countries. Replicate said its srRNA technology has the potential to generate strong immune responses at lower doses, a feature that could help improve vaccine accessibility and affordability for populations most vulnerable to the disease.

Nathaniel Wang, Chief Executive Officer of Replicate Bioscience, said the funding would help accelerate the company’s tuberculosis vaccine programme while leveraging insights gained from its ongoing rabies vaccine development efforts. He noted that clinical data from the company’s srRNA rabies vaccine programme have demonstrated the platform’s ability to induce immune responses at low doses.

According to the company, the latest grant further strengthens its growing portfolio of partnerships focused on combating major global infectious diseases. Replicate has previously received Gates Foundation funding for the development of vaccine candidates targeting HIV and malaria.

In addition, the company has entered into a collaboration with the Instituto Butantan to develop and commercialise its srRNA rabies vaccine across Latin America.

Replicate’s self-replicating RNA platform is designed to enhance vaccine effectiveness while reducing the amount of material required per dose, potentially enabling broader vaccine distribution in resource-limited settings. The company believes the technology could play a significant role in addressing infectious diseases that continue to pose major global health challenges.

The new grant underscores continued investment in innovative vaccine technologies aimed at expanding access to life-saving immunisation programmes and strengthening global efforts to control infectious diseases.