In collaboration with Utrecht University (UU) scientists and Utrecht Virology, Seino Jongkees and his team at AIMMS VU are developing innovative peptide medicines to prevent viral infections. As he explains, “It’s not a question of if a new pandemic comes, but when.”
Driving Seino’s quest to make protection against viruses simpler and more accessible, especially for vulnerable groups who cannot rely on vaccination alone.
Behind the Scenes: Discovery and Hurdles
Amongst others, Seino's team at AIMMS VU, UU virologists and UU structural biologist, have contributed to the collaborative discovery of promising peptides using mRNA display: “The core of it is you just create a gigantic mix of random peptides, then see what sticks to the viral spike protein.” Success, he says, involves both technology and luck: “There’s a lot of luck, you might discover something that binds in a new way, something nobody has seen before. That’s exciting.” But translating this into a working medicine means solving stability issues. Making sure peptides aren’t broken down too quickly in the lungs or nasal cavity, and working out manufacturing and combination challenges for a multi-virus protection mix.
Real-World Steps
Their lab discoveries on protein materials in collaboration with UU, has led to further steps in the lab-to-market journey of spin-out VirxCel: “For pharmaceutical companies it’s still too early—they always want to see animal trials. So, our first investors are innovation funds.” The vision is a practical nasal spray that “doesn’t need refrigeration, much more stable than an antibody, and easy to store.”
VirxCel: How Does It Work?
Instead of traditional antivirals, VirxCel focuses on short, synthetic peptides “with the same building blocks as food,” that bind strongly and selectively to viral proteins, blocking infection. As Seino puts it, “We want something people can administer themselves - a nasal spray, with no serious side effects. Imagine everyone in a retirement home just having a little spray, or using it before a concert or a trip.” Their approach is now working its way from cell cultures to hopefully soon animal testing.
Beyond One Virus and the Next Steps
The ultimate goal, “A nasal spray with four or five peptides. So you’re covered for influenza, coronavirus, maybe more. Because when you get sick, you don’t always know which virus it is.” If animal tests are successful, the team will seek big investors for clinical work: “It never goes quickly, but we have a plan,” Seino adds. “The goal is to keep new molecules coming down the pipeline, to always stay ahead.”
Thoughts on AI?
While computation and AI play a supporting role, Seino emphasizes that “there’s a lot of hype—sometimes you just have to solve the problem in another way,” reminding us that “the real world still needs careful, hands-on science and regulatory proof."
Want to Know More?
Read more on Utrecht Virology: https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/faculty-of-veterinary-medicine/research/infection-immunity-and-pathology/virology
Read more on VirXcel: https://virxcel.com