Four year-old startup Emergex of Abingdon plans to start testing a coronavirus vaccine within two months.

In January Emergex raised $11 million in a funding round led by Vickers Ventures.

Emergex has an unusual methodology for creating vaccines. Traditionally vaccines are developed using live viruses which need to be grown on a host which can take months.

By contrast Emergex creates totally synthetic vaccines creating protein segments containing the virus’ genetic code which are placed on gold nanoparticles to carry them to T-cells which they stimulate into attacking the virus.

Because the process is synthetic it has no infection risk, vaccines can be transported, stored and handled at room temperature and their production can be scaled up quickly.

Instead of requiring a jab, the vaccine can be delivered through patches using micro-needles.

Energex has now raised a total $12.3 million in funding. Innovate UK has participated as well as Vickers Ventures.