VSA-1 adjuvant

VSA-1 is a semisynthetic saponin-based vaccine adjuvant developed by Adjuvax LLC as a practical and safer alternative to the FDA-approved adjuvant QS-21. It is a modified derivative of Momordica saponin I, synthesized in a single step from naturally occurring saponins isolated from the seeds of *Momordica cochinchinensis*. VSA-1 functions by enhancing antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses, typically inducing a balanced Th1/Th2 profile when co-administered with vaccine antigens. A significant advantage of VSA-1 is its markedly lower acute toxicity compared to QS-21, which allows for higher tolerable doses in preclinical models. The adjuvant has been evaluated in combination with various vaccines, including the pneumococcal glycoconjugate vaccine PCV13 and influenza vaccines, demonstrating the ability to boost IgG and opsonic antibody titers. Adjuvax has partnered with Croda for the distribution and further development of this technology.

Brand names

VSA-1VSA1VSA 1

Other names

VSA-1-Adjuvax-saponin adjuvantVSA1-Adjuvax-saponin adjuvantVSA 1-Adjuvax-saponin adjuvantsemisynthetic Momordica saponin I derivative