Photochemical platforms to support R&D of novel antibacterials, antivirals and vaccines for epidemic-prone viruses

For the HORIZON EUROPE Cluster 1 - Health, the Spingler Lab (University of Zurich) offers photochemical therapeutic and delivery platforms to strengthen the preclinical development of novel vaccines and antivirals for viral pathogens with epidemic potential.

Our scientific contribution focuses on innovative light-activated approaches that complement and de-risk classical vaccine and antiviral strategies. The lab develops advanced photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT), enabling controllable antiviral activity and enhanced intracellular delivery of biologics, antigens, or vaccine components. These platforms are particularly relevant for DISEASE-04, 05 and 06, where diversification of modalities, preparedness for emerging variants, and early translational robustness are key.

The Spingler Lab provides end-to-end early translational expertise, covering molecular design, chemical synthesis, photophysical and chemical computation and characterisation, and in-vitro preclinical validation. Our activities typically span TRL 2–4, with clear and established pathways toward TRL 5–6 through collaboration with virology, animal model, GMP, and clinical partners. This supports the generation of decision-ready preclinical and ADMET data aligned with the call’s emphasis on clear regulatory pathways and GMP-compatible development.

Within Cluster 1 - Health, we aim to contribute as a technology-driving partner or work-package leader, offering expertise in:

• Novel and complementary vaccine or antiviral modalities

• Preclinical validation and ADMET data generation

• Strengthening translational readiness and exploitation potential

The lab is represented in EU collaborations by Dr. Carsten Bauer, who combines deep scientific expertise in medicinal and translational chemistry with extensive experience in GMP-aware synthesis, regulatory preparedness, IP strategy, and exploitation planning. This ensures that innovative concepts are developed with a clear view toward clinical enabling, regulatory compliance, and future deployment in epidemic or pandemic scenarios.

We seek project cooperation with academic, clinical, and industrial partners active in virology, infectious disease models (including BSL-2/3/4 environments), preclinical and non-clinical development, regulatory science, and manufacturing, and are particularly interested in contributing to consortia addressing emerging or re-emerging bacterial and/ or viral threats.