Nagasaki University’s ‘Nanoball’ technology could help defeat the next Disease X

OSLO/ NAGASAKI, JAPAN, 10 March 2025—A new ‘nanoball’ vaccine platform developed by experts in Japan will be tested as part of new research, supported by CEPI, looking for promising tools that could help fight an infectious disease outbreak with pandemic potential.

Researchers at Nagasaki University have developed the pioneering innovation as a novel approach to aid the delivery of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines in the body.

mRNA vaccines came to light in the COVID-19 pandemic as a rapid and flexible platform that can help the world rapidly respond to a fast-spreading viral outbreak. Unlike traditional vaccine approaches, they work by introducing a piece of mRNA into the body that teaches cells how to make a viral protein. This triggers an immune response, helping protect the body from infection. 

However, there are limitations with how mRNA molecules are typically transported into cells. First, the fragile mRNA pieces are encased in ‘fatty shells’, known as lipid nanoparticles or LNPs, which can result in poor vaccine stability. So that the LNPs can stay intact and effective, the vaccines need to be stored and delivered at ultra-low temperatures. Such requirements can make these vaccines inaccessible to remote areas or low-resource settings that lack the infrastructure and technologies to maintain these temperatures. 

With up to US $5 million in new funding from CEPI, the Nagasaki team will conduct preclinical studies to investigate whether their next-generation technology—where the mRNA is instead encased in nano-sized, negatively-charged particles—could overcome these challenges and confront the next worrisome threat. 

With support from NEC Oncoimmunity (NOI), the new research will focus on testing an AI-enabled nanoball mRNA vaccine to protect against severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV). The emerging tick-borne virus, a member of the Phenuivirus family, poses a serious public health threat in Japan and wider East Asia. 

If the project is successful, the platform has the potential to be rapidly adapted to develop vaccine candidates against other pathogens, including a novel or as-yet-identified ‘Disease X’ that could cause a serious epidemic or pandemic. 

Findings could therefore support the 100 Days Mission, an ambitious goal spearheaded by CEPI and embraced by Japan and other G7 and G20 nations to develop a vaccine against a new virus with outbreak potential in as little as three months.

The innovation could also be freeze-dried and stored for extended periods of time at either fridge or room temperature. Without the need for complex cold-chain requirements, this could open up the possibility of expanding access to nanoball vaccine doses in low- and-middle income countries.

“We don’t know when or when the next Disease X will strike – but we know that it is coming”, says Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), “and as the COVID-19 pandemic shows, we need to be more prepared and act more quickly when responding to an emerging threat. We are delighted to be working with our partners in Japan to carry out this new research looking at whether Nagasaki University’s ‘Nanoball’ technology could provide an improved mRNA delivery vehicle, thereby offering faster and more effective vaccine protection in an outbreak.”

Professor NAGAYASU Takeshi, President of Nagasaki University says, “We are delighted that our SFTSV vaccine, developed using Nagasaki University’s proprietary nanoball technology, can contribute to CEPI’s efforts and the global 100 Days Mission pursued by leading nations. Rapid vaccine development is crucial in preparing for future pandemics, and we are proud that our research can play a role in this initiative. We look forward to further collaboration in advancing innovative technologies to strengthen global health security and pandemic preparedness.”

Dr. Saverio Niccolini, Chief Executive Officer, NEC Oncoimmunity, further commented, “NEC OncoImmunity is honoured to collaborate with CEPI and Nagasaki University in the fight against emerging infectious diseases. We are confident that our advanced AI technology will play a pivotal role in designing a vaccine for the severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), a deadly tick-borne pathogen with high mortality rates. This partnership underscores our commitment to harnessing our cutting-edge AI for innovative vaccine development.”

CEPI and Nagasaki University are committed to enabling equitable access to the outputs of their partnership, in line with CEPI’s Equitable Access Policy. Project results, including data generated as part of this project, will be published open access for the benefit of the global scientific community.