VGX Vaccine Delivery Platform

Next-gen DNA vaccine delivery.

Reimagining vaccine delivery for human use.

VGX approached RKS to transform an animal only DNA vaccine delivery system into a platform designed for human clinical use. The core challenge: ease clinician handling, mask the visual impact of needles and electrification, and reduce patient anxiety, all while maintaining high performance electroporation and rigorous sterilization standards. The goal was to help DNA vaccines, including those researched against diseases like HIV, reach the people who need them.

Client
VGX / Inovio (NIH-funded)
Markets
Medical
CELLECTRA 3000 medical device interface and applicator on desk in clinical setting

Research Insights & Discovery

Key Outputs

  • Clinical and patient persona mapping
  • Emotional journey maps revealing anxiety triggers
  • Opportunity brief emphasizing hidden needle delivery, simplicity, and empathetic feedback

RKS conducted ethnographic studies with clinicians and patients, understanding emotional triggers and workflows. Using our Psycho‑Aesthetics® framework, we placed the product in the enriched quadrant, focusing on non threatening, intuitive control. Pain points identified included fear of needles and lack of confidence in multi step electroporation.

How We Used Psycho-Aesthetics™ to Identify Unique Opportunities in the Project.

Using our proprietary Psycho-Aesthetics® 2.0 framework, we interviewed and observed clinicians and patients. Patients feared the needle and the electrical pulse, and clinicians needed more confidence in a multi-step procedure. These insights led us to hide the needle, simplify operation to one button, and guide each step with clear visual feedback.

PA Map for RKS Design's Project for the development of VGX Inovio
A collage of presentation slides showing medical equipment, dental tools, procedural

Industrial Design Concept Development

Key Outputs

  • Ergonomic CAD models emphasizing comfort and control
  • Concealed needle/shroud integration
  • Visual design language projecting calm and precision

Inovio was designed to be as user friendly as possible, featuring a one button operation and an ambidextrous design. Safety was paramount, with a disposable component ensuring the well being of both the practitioner and the patient. Our design approach focused on creating a soothing environment with ergonomic shapes and friendly colors, turning a potentially tense situation into a comfortable and effortless experience.

VGX Inovio DNA Vaccine dispenser usability research
Inovio DNA Vaccine Delivery System
Side-by-side comparison: on the left, a bulky black medical device with wires labeled

UI/UX Design Development

Key Outputs

  • Information Architecture
  • Touchscreen Interface Design
  • Custom Iconography & Visual System
  • Interactive Prototypes

Clinician interfaces, both on device and via connected software, feature clear step by step visuals and status feedback for each stage of electroporation. Visual cues help build procedural confidence and reduce errors. Our task was to make it consumer friendly, hiding its potential scariness while prioritizing the comfort of both clinicians and patients.

Labeled rendering of the VGX Inovio handheld device showing needle shield, depth stop, activation button and grip

Engineering Validation

Key Outputs

  • Functional prototypes combining mechanics, electronics, and firmware
  • Tool ready CAD/CAM data and component spec documentation
  • Vendor coordination and manufacturing readiness strategy

RKS aligned mechanical components, needles, motors, shuttles, with back end electronics and firmware for dose delivery and capacitive sensing. Developed ambidextrous handpieces and support units to ensure reliability and scalable manufacturing.

VGX Inovio Research 1 Product Design
Inovio DNA Sequencer

Key Outcomes and Results

Key Accomplishments

  • Platform designed for human clinical use
  • Guided workflows and visual feedback designed to build clinician confidence
  • After VGX merged with Inovio in 2009, its CELLECTRA delivery technology was used in human clinical trials
  • In 2026, the FDA approved INOVIO’s first DNA medicine, delivered with a CELLECTRA device

We strived to humanize the device, maximizing its potential for the best possible experience. We turned a bulky, wired research unit into a compact handheld device with a hidden needle, one-button operation, and an ambidextrous grip, as the side-by-side comparison above shows. This project presented both challenges and rewards, as we dedicated countless months to bring Inovio to life. We thrive on tackling unconventional and complex tasks, constantly pushing boundaries to create practical solutions.

VGX Applicator 190 Product Design

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