Next-Generation Pan-COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate Found Effective

Pennsylvania-based INOVIO announced today that its next-generation Pan-COVID-19 vaccine candidate, INO-4802, induced potent neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses against the original Wuhan strain of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus as well as against B.1.1.7 (UK variant), B.1.351 (South African variant), and P.1. (Brazilian variant) in preclinical (animal) models.

The non-peer-reviewed study was published on May 11, 2021.

The company stated in a press release, 'these results demonstrate the potential of INOVIO's Pan-COVID-19 vaccine to induce cross-reactive immune responses against current and emerging viral variants as either a first-line vaccine or potentially as a boost for individuals previously immunized with various Wuhan-matched vaccines.'

Dr. Laurent M. Humeau, INOVIO's Chief Scientific Officer, commented, "INOVIO is taking a dual-track approach in developing a COVID-19 vaccine because we recognize the need to support both pandemic and endemic considerations."

"In addition to our work on INO-4800, which we expect to enter a global Phase 3 trial this summer, we are also developing our next-generation Pan-COVID-19 variant vaccine, INO-4802, which is designed to protect against current and potential future Variants of Concern."

The INO-4800 vaccine candidate contains the plasmid pGX9501, which encodes for the entire length of the Spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2. Once inside the cell, the plasmids begin replicating, strengthening the body's own natural response mechanisms, says the company.

INOVIO is a biotechnology company focused on rapidly bringing to market precisely designed DNA medicines to treat and protect people from infectious diseases, cancer, and diseases associated with HPV.