PHARMExcel recognised for an outstanding industry-academic partnership
PHARMExcel has been recognised as a finalist in the Industry-Academic Collaboration of the Year category at the Pharma Industry Awards UK 2026 for its partnership with DIOSynVax and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.
The recognition follows the successful delivery of a pioneering Phase I clinical trial of an AI-designed universal coronavirus vaccine and celebrates the combined expertise required to move innovative science into first-in-human clinical research.
Advancing a new approach to pandemic preparedness
The study evaluated an AI-designed ‘super-antigen’ vaccine developed by DIOSynVax in collaboration with researchers at the University of Cambridge. The vaccine is intended to provide broad protection against multiple Sarbecoviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, SARS and related animal viruses that could pose a future pandemic threat.
Rather than targeting only one circulating virus or variant, the technology uses computational modelling to identify common features across an entire virus family. This approach could support broader and potentially longer-lasting protection against both existing and emerging coronaviruses.
Sponsored by University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, the first-in-human Phase I trial involved 39 healthy volunteers recruited through the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility, with additional recruitment at the NIHR Cambridge Clinical Research Facility. The published results showed that the vaccine was safe and well tolerated, with no significant safety concerns, and produced encouraging immune responses against a broad range of coronaviruses.
Partnership at the heart of complex clinical research
PHARMExcel provided specialist safety management throughout the clinical trial, working closely with the sponsor, investigators and research teams to protect participants and support safe, efficient and compliant study delivery.
Being selected as a finalist recognises the importance of this collaborative approach. Innovative early-phase research often brings together academic science, biotechnology, NHS research infrastructure and specialist CRO expertise. Aligning those teams around shared responsibilities, transparent communication and participant safety is essential to moving promising discoveries forward.
Yvanne Enever, CEO and Founder of PHARMExcel said:
“Being recognised as a finalist is a tremendous achievement for everyone involved in this study. The most meaningful results in clinical research come from true partnership: combining different expertise, communicating openly and remaining focused on the people who may ultimately benefit. We are proud of what our collaboration with DIOSynVax and University Hospital Southampton has achieved and of the role our team played in helping this important science progress safely into clinical development.”
Wearable knee osteoarthritis study also shortlisted
PHARMExcel was also delighted to be shortlisted for its collaboration with the University of Southampton on the IA-Tex pain-management study.
The clinical study is evaluating a novel wearable electro-textile device designed to reduce pain in people living with knee osteoarthritis. The integrated knee sleeve delivers transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) without traditional adhesive pads, offering the potential for discreet and continuous use as part of everyday life.
More than 5.4 million people in the UK live with knee osteoarthritis. The progressive condition can cause long-term pain, reduced mobility and loss of independence, while current treatment pathways often depend on pain medication, physiotherapy and, in more advanced cases, joint-replacement surgery.
The wearable technology offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach that could support better pain control and mobility while reducing reliance on medication. The University of Southampton acts as sponsor and device manufacturer, while PHARMExcel provides safety management, clinical monitoring and regulatory support under Good Clinical Practice and medical device requirements.
Recognition for collaboration with patient impact
Finalist recognition for the vaccine trial, alongside the shortlisting of the IA-Tex study, highlights the value of collaboration in translating scientific and technological innovation into research that could make a meaningful difference to patients.
PHARMExcel has extensive experience supporting complex and early-phase clinical trials across vaccines, medical devices and a wide range of therapeutic areas. Its flexible, partnership-led approach helps universities, NHS organisations and emerging biotechnology companies navigate clinical development while maintaining high standards of safety, quality and regulatory compliance.
