Vaccine Info

AG0301/AG0302 COVID-19 Vaccine

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Last reviewed
February 17, 2022
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AG0301 COVID-19 Vaccine Description - 2022

The AG0301 COVID-19 vaccine candidate is a plasmid DNA vaccine that disables the connection between the coronavirus's protein spikes and human cells' receptors. The AG0301-COVID19 is a vaccine candidate developed by AnGes Inc. and Osaka University.

AnGes, Inc.'s vaccine candidate encodes the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that opens the door to infection. It is expected to prevent COVID-19 or the condition of COVID-19 patients from deteriorating. Since the vaccine is engineered to express only the spikes on the viral surface, thereby producing antibodies, it is nonpathogenic and safe.

The gene transfer method increases the efficiency of gene expression and antibody production capability, garnering a more efficient DNA vaccine product.

The manufacturing process can be established in a shorter period of time with the manufacture of DNA vaccines, compared with the vaccine using inactivated viruses (attenuated vaccines) or the vaccine using genetically modified virus protein.

On September 8, 2020, AnGes announced a collaboration with Colorado-based Brickell Biotech, Inc. following Phase 1/2 clinical studies. A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase II / III Study to Assess Safety, Immunogenicity and Efficacy of Twice Dosing of Intramuscular AG0302-COVID19 (2mg) in Healthy Adults began on December 7, 2020.

The AG0301-COVID19 vaccine's Drugbank Accession Number: DB15856.

AnGes, Inc., based in Osaka, Japan, is a biopharmaceutical company founded in December 1999 based on an innovative discovery by researchers at Osaka University and focuses on developing gene-based medicine.

AG0301 COVID-19 Vaccine Indication

AnGes Coronavirus Vaccine candidate is indicated to prevent COVID-19 disease associated with the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

The vaccine produces antibodies by expressing only the spikes within the body. Antibodies are formed against the harmless tips, leading to resistance. When the virus enters the body, the antibodies bind with the virus spike; therefore, the virus cannot bind with the cell's receptor.  In effect, the antibodies capture the virus before it reaches the cells.

AG0301 COVID-19 Dosage

AG0301 specific dosages are being evaluated in clinical trials.  This vaccine candidate will use a two-immunization schedule, the first a low dose vaccine followed two weeks later with a high dose.

AG0301 COVID-19 Vaccine News

February 15, 2021 - Study: DNA vaccines against COVID-19: Perspectives and challenges. This review aimed to summarize the current knowledge and advancements on DNA vaccines against COVID-19, particularly those in clinical trials.

February 15, 2021 - AnGes published Consolidated Financial Report for the Fiscal Year 2020.

September 8, 2020 - COVID-19 DNA vaccine development: Announcement of Collaboration Agreement with Brickell Biotech. “We are excited by the opportunity to work with AnGes, a leading vaccine developer in Japan, to potentially bring a COVID-19 vaccine to the U.S. and other countries to help address the global pandemic. AnGes is at the forefront of developing a vaccine for COVID-19 and was the first company in Japan to initiate a COVID-19 vaccine clinical study,” commented Robert Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Brickell.

June 30, 2020 - The first clinical trial on humans of a potential vaccine for the new coronavirus has begun. AnGes vaccine candidate will inject a genetically engineered circular DNA into the body that produces "spike proteins," which are a characteristic of the coronavirus, according to the company. When such proteins are made, the body's immune system is stimulated to make antibodies against the virus.

June 11, 2020 - Japanese biotech AnGes expects its coronavirus vaccine to be ready as early as the first half of 2021 if it can overcome supply chain and production hurdles, the company’s founder has said. “The future of COVID-19 is very mysterious,” said Morishita, adding that any vaccine would likely need constant tweaking as the virus mutates and returns.

AG0301 COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Trials

AG0301/302 COVID-19 Vaccine continues to be studied in clinical trials.