Tiba Biotech’s new vaccine shows complete protection against foot-and-mouth disease in cattle

USA – Tiba Biotech LLC has reported a major breakthrough in livestock disease control, with a novel RNA-based vaccine providing full protection against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in cattle during a recent challenge study. 

Conducted by Germany’s Friedrich Loeffler Institute, the trial found that all vaccinated animals remained healthy after direct viral exposure, with no signs of viral shedding or adverse effects.

The vaccine was developed through an international collaboration between Tiba Biotech, the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, and the RNA Institute at the University of New South Wales, supported by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). 

Earlier research on livestock vaccines by the company received backing from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC).

Addressing a global livestock threat

FMD is one of the most contagious livestock diseases, causing severe economic losses and trade restrictions. It remains endemic in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, with recent outbreaks reported in Europe. 

According to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), an outbreak in Australia could cost the economy up to AUD80 billion (approximately US$52 billion).

“FMD is present in countries near to Australia and is front of mind for industry in terms of potential biosecurity risks,” said MLA Managing Director Michael Crowley.

A key innovation of Tiba’s vaccine is its RNABL delivery platform, which forms biodegradable nanoparticles to carry the RNA payload. 

Unlike most mRNA vaccines, it can be stored long-term at standard refrigeration temperatures and for at least a month at room temperature, a significant advantage for livestock vaccination in remote or resource-limited areas.

Pathway to approval

While the results are promising, the vaccine must still undergo rigorous regulatory evaluation before it can be commercially deployed. Tiba co-founder Peter McGrath, who heads Australian operations, said, “Our focus now shifts to working closely with regulators to ensure the vaccine meets the highest standards of safety and effectiveness, and ultimately to make this breakthrough available to the farmers and producers who need it most.”

Peter Kirkland, senior principal scientist at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute and leader of its Animal Virology Team, stressed the vaccine’s broader importance. “This vaccine research investment plays a vital role in protecting Australia’s multi-billion-dollar livestock industries, safeguarding the communities that depend on them and maintaining access to critical export markets.”

Alongside its animal health work, Tiba Biotech is advancing a portfolio of human vaccine and therapeutic candidates, including lung disease treatments funded by the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).

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