Abstract:  

synVAX is an innovative synthetic vaccinia virus platform engineered by the Australian company VAXMED, to elicit strong humoral and cellular immune responses, supporting the development of two broad-spectrum vaccines: a universal influenza vaccine and a tetravalent dengue vaccine, both covering all known variants and serotypes. synVAX is designed using in silico methods, chemical DNA synthesis, and traditional cloning techniques. This next generation disabled infectious single cycle (DISC) virus can carry dozens of antigens and enabling vaccine development in under 100 days. It offers a single-shot solution with lasting immunity, thermostability, and scalability for mass production.

Biography:  

Dr. Paul Howley, cofounder and Managing Director of the Australian company VAXMED, is a highly accomplished biotechnology executive with over 30 years of expertise in molecular virology, specialising in viral vector systems and vaccinology. A leader in the field of pox virology, he has worked extensively with vaccinia, fowlpox, canarypox, and various RNA viruses, including measles, RSV, Zika, and RRV.

His previous executive roles included Research Director at Bavarian Nordic (Denmark), CEO of Virax Limited, co-founder, and CEO of Sementis Limited (Australia).

Dr. Howley has played a pivotal role in vaccine innovation. He was also instrumental in the early commercial development of Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA), now a global standard for Mpox prevention (JYNNEOS vaccine). He is the inventor of the VAXMED vaccine technology synVAX, a next-generation platform enabling single-shot, thermostable, broad-spectrum vaccines scalable for mass production.

Dr. Howley’s leadership spans the entire vaccine development pathway, from antigen design and preclinical research to GMP manufacturing, regulatory affairs, and clinical trials. He pioneered the first vaccine study demonstrating simultaneous protection against two diseases in non-human primates using a single administration of a multi-antigen vaccine.

His contributions extend to patents and high-impact publications, and he has worked with world-renowned virologists, including Prof. Anton Mayr, the inventor of MVA. His international experience includes roles at the University of Lausanne, the University of Durham, the Institute of Virology Strasbourg, Glaxo Group Research, and ICI Agriculture Division.

Dr. Howley holds a PhD from the University of Reading, UK, and a BSc (Hons) from Hatfield Polytechnic, UK, and is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Adelaide, Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.