CureVac’s COVID-19 vaccine generates immune responses at Phase 1
pharmafile | November 11, 2020 | News story | Research and Development | COVID-19, CureVac, pharma
German biopharma firm CureVac has unveiled interim analysis data from a Phase1 study of its messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccine, CVnCoV, showing tentative promise for future study.
The vaccine was administered in two doses, each between 2 and 12 micrograms, 28 days apart to healthy participants between the age of 18 and 60. No vaccine-related serious adverse events were reported, but the severity and frequency of adverse events trended towards the higher dosages.
By measuring IgG antibodies against the virus’ Spike protein or its receptor-binding domain (RBD) and neutralising antibodies, the researchers found that the seroconversion in the 12 microgram dose was around four times higher from baseline titer two weeks after the second dosing. Immune responses were greater in the higher dosage groups, and with response said to be comparable to that seen in patients who have recovered from COVID-19 infection.
CureVac’s CEO Franz-Werner Haas said the company was “very encouraged by the interim Phase I data. It represents a critical milestone in our COVID-19 vaccine programme and strongly supports the advancement of our vaccine candidate.”
The company’s Phase 1 study launched in June in Germany and Belgium in partnership with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation (CEPI), and a Phase 2b trial was launched in Peru and Panama in September.
Haas confirmed that the company would now seek to move forward with the 12 microgram dose into Phase 2b and 3 trials before the end of the year, with a goal of enrolling over 36,000 participants.
CureVac’s stock rose by 8.28% on release of the news; its stock has climbed by 781.6% this year so far.
Matt Fellows
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