InnoSpherIC is an initiative arising from the University of Santiago, and is based on a platform for the generation of subunit vaccines and immobilised proteins.

Using this platform, they can make any type of cell generate protein microspheres. These microspheres can be loaded with protein, for example virus proteins, which they use as vaccines.

With this methodology they have generated vaccine candidates tested in mouse models against Bluetongue Virus (BTV), Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) and African Horse Sickness Virus (AHSV).

They have also tested the technology as a potential cancer immunotherapy, in collaboration with a laboratory belonging to the UK Medicines Health Research Agency (MHRA), with promising results. In this case, proteins are loaded with antigens from the tumour to be destroyed, so that when these proteins are presented to the immune system in their microspheres, the immune system itself attacks the tumour.

They are currently developing a vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2 through a project they have received from the European Vaccine Initiative (EVI), as well as further developing the approach as an immunotherapy against cancer through a project by the AECC – Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (Spanish Association Against Cancer).