Live chimeric vaccine against PCV2a and PCV2b in swine
This technology is a vaccine for Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2), a widespread and costly virus in the swine industry. Researchers created a 'chimeric' virus by taking a harmless version of the virus (PCV1) and swapping in the outer shell protein from the dangerous version (PCV2). This trick allows the pig's immune system to recognize and learn to fight the actual disease-causing virus without ever being exposed to the full, virulent pathogen. Because it uses the specific '2b' subtype currently dominant in global pig populations, it offers more precise protection than older vaccines.
What you could build
A live-attenuated or inactivated vaccine for commercial hog producers and veterinary pharmaceutical companies to prevent PCV2b and PCV2a infections.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia's major swine production industry and animal health companies like Merck Animal Health or Zoetis would have a direct interest in this vaccine to protect local livestock assets.
Readiness: Prototype likely
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Xiang-Jin Meng, Nathan M. Beach, Sheela Ramamoorthy
- Granted
- January 2, 2018
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 9855327
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.