In this product, the antigenic part includes several immune-dominant epitopes able to induce a significant humoral and cellular response against a component of the paraflagellar rod structure of the parasite Leishmania infantum (L. infantum). The adjuvant peptide fused to the antigen is a heat shock protein derived from the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The properties of this adjuvant have been well characterized by our collaborators. This IP-protected fusion protein is currently in preclinical phase of development as a preventive and therapeutic vaccine against canine visceral leishmaniasis. The immunogenic properties of the sequences used to make the chimera vaccine against leishmaniasis have been tested in mice。The company has developed solutions for production of the vaccine chimera using their own patented expression platform. They developed methods for specific removal of contaminants and purification of the chimera in two easily scalable steps without adding any purification tags.A complete clinical assay with dogs including immunization and challenge experiments is scheduled for 2013. Expected to reach the market value:Leishmaniases are endemic in 88 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, South and North America.  A total of 12-14 million people are estimated to be currently affected by these parasitoses, with 1.5-2 million new cases every year. Furthermore, the data indicate that there is a rising trend in the incidence of these diseases owing to risk factors, such as HIV infection, malnutrition and mass migration. Currently, there is no effective prophylactic method and chemotherapeutic treatments do not have the desirable efficacy.In Spain and other countries around the Mediterranean Basin, the predominant species is L. infantum, which mainly causes visceral leishmaniasis among those it infects. Apart from countries bordering the Mediterranean, this species is also to be found spread through West Africa, America, northern China and western Asia. Its main host is the dog, which acts as a reservoir for transmission to humans. Moreover, since the appearance and spread of AIDS, there has been a renewed outbreak of leishmaniasis incidence in humans, in view of the fact that L. infantum has been shown to be the main opportunistic parasite in these patientsIdeal way of cooperation:This technology is offered for out-licensing. The technology owner is looking for industrial partners that accomplish next development steps (both clinical and manufacture), registration and market authorization. The company is also keen to discuss a risk/reward sharing approach under a co-development agreement. A face-to-face meeting at our facilities would be more than welcomed to explain at first-hand any question that could arise.Ideal partners:Animal health industry partners for clinical R&DPartners for commercialisationBio-tech investment companies & funds