GSK, Medicago launch phase 2/3 clinical trials of plant-derived COVID-19 vaccine
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Medicago have are set to launch phase 2/3 trials of a plant-derived COVID-19 vaccine candidate, after the shot yielded positive results in phase 1.
The vaccine candidate combines Medicago’s recombinant coronavirus virus-like particles (CoVLP) with GSK’s pandemic adjuvant system.
Medicago’s CoVLPs mimic the structure of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, which allows them to be recognised and targeted by the immune system.
In an early study of the vaccine, Canada-headquartered Medicago said that all subjects vaccinated with the experimental shot developed "a promising antibody response after two doses".
The company added that it will use a lower dose of the vaccine, combined with GSK’s adjuvant, in the upcoming phase 2/3 studies. Adjuvants are typically used to boost the immune response of a specific vaccine candidate.
They are of particular use in a pandemic situation, as the boosted immune response can reduce the amount of antigen required per dose, allowing for more vaccine doses to be manufactured and distributed.
Read more: http://www.pmlive.com/pharma_news/gsk,_medicago_launch_phase_23_clinical_trials_of_plant-derived_covid-19_vaccine_1356854
The vaccine candidate combines Medicago’s recombinant coronavirus virus-like particles (CoVLP) with GSK’s pandemic adjuvant system.
Medicago’s CoVLPs mimic the structure of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, which allows them to be recognised and targeted by the immune system.
In an early study of the vaccine, Canada-headquartered Medicago said that all subjects vaccinated with the experimental shot developed "a promising antibody response after two doses".
The company added that it will use a lower dose of the vaccine, combined with GSK’s adjuvant, in the upcoming phase 2/3 studies. Adjuvants are typically used to boost the immune response of a specific vaccine candidate.
They are of particular use in a pandemic situation, as the boosted immune response can reduce the amount of antigen required per dose, allowing for more vaccine doses to be manufactured and distributed.
Read more: http://www.pmlive.com/pharma_news/gsk,_medicago_launch_phase_23_clinical_trials_of_plant-derived_covid-19_vaccine_1356854
