Potential vaccine developed by the University of Cambridge may be ready for clinical trials by fall

A potential vaccine for Covid-19, developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge, Clinical trial stage of development From late fall to early next year.

The Cambridge vaccine candidate, known as DIOS-CoVax2, has approached the clinical trials stage of development after the university received a £1.9 million grant from the government on Wednesday (26/08).

University vaccine candidates are group work Located between Cambridge spin-out company DIO SynVax, University of Cambridge, and the Southampton NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, which provides an additional £400,000 to the trial.

The vaccine, if effective, tries to model the structure of the SARS-CoV-2 virus by fighting all coronaviruses and obtaining information from both Covid-19 and its relatives.

Then the team developed Computer-generated antigen structureFight the coronavirus, teach the immune system to target key areas of the virus,Beneficial antiviral response.. “

These improved immune responses include T cells, which remove cells infected with the virus, and neutralizing antibodies, which block the infection of the virus.

One of the advantages of DIOS-CoVax2’s “laser-specific” approach is that it minimizes the deleterious inflammatory immune response that can be caused by “targeted” vaccines. The hyper-inflammatory reaction can cause Covid-19, which is life-threatening in its own right.

Professor Jonathan HeaneyThe director of the Institute of Veterinary Zoology, University of Cambridge, and the founder of DIOSynVax describes the benefits of “avoiding potentially damaging parts” of the Cambridge vaccine. Those non-essential elements that can trigger the minus immune response of the virus. “

While most vaccines use RNA to deliver antigen, Cambridge vaccine candidates are unique in that they use synthetic DNA. This “DNA vector model” has been proven “safe and effective…in early trials”.

Dr. Rebecca KinsleyDIOSynVax CEO and postdoctoral researcher at the University of Cambridge said Cambridge’s “approach-providing a custom-designed immunoselective vaccine antigen using synthetic DNA-is innovative and involves complex viruses such as coronaviruses. The result is a vaccine that is safe for widespread use and can be manufactured and distributed at low cost.”

Other vaccines in development are leading DIOS-CoVax2, but especially OxfordThe Cambridge vaccine does not need to be stored at low temperatures, making it far more practical for mass production in low and middle income countries, unlike its competitors. There is no need to be hospitalized with a needle. Alternatively, you can use a jet of air to deliver.

Professor Saul Faust, director of the Southampton Clinical Research Facility, is particularly enthusiastic. “In clinical trials, we will use a needleless device to test vaccination through people’s skin, with stable DNA vaccination technology to give future vaccines to millions of people around the world. .”