A Protein Subunit SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Seems Likely

In a phase 1 Australian trial, SCB-2019, a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate containing a trimeric form of the spike protein, was immunogenic and well tolerated.

Unlike the current SARS-CoV-2 mRNA and adenovirus vaccines, most earlier viral vaccines have employed killed virus, attenuated live virus, or protein platforms. Now, Australian and Chinese investigators report interim results of a placebo-controlled, partially industry-supported phase 1 trial of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine containing a recombinant fusion protein, SCB-2019, that reflects the structure of the trimeric SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S) in its prefusion form. Three SCB-2019 dosages (3 µg, 9 µg, or 30 µg) were given as two intramuscular immunizations 21 days apart and tested alone or with one of two adjuvants (AS03 or CpG/Alum). In all, 151 subjects (predominantly white males) were enrolled into younger and older cohorts (age ranges, 18–54 …

Reviewing Author

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

A Protein Subunit SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Seems Likely

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Reviewing Author