A New Entry to the COVID-19 Vaccine Armamentarium Shows Promise

A COVID-19 vaccine created through a partnership between Sanofi and GSK showed promising results in a Phase 2 clinical trial. A recombinant protein vaccine, it targets the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, created via insect cells, with an antibody response. The vaccine includes an adjuvant to increase the resultant immune response. The Phase 2 trial showed the vaccine—both one dose and two doses—was effective across all age groups. The high immunity demonstrated after a single dose suggests the Sanofi/GSK vaccine may be well suited as a booster shot among those who have been fully vaccinated. With only refrigeration required, as opposed to the deep freeze needed for the messenger RNA vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna, the new addition to the vaccine armamentarium could be especially beneficial in poor countries with limited access to the currently available immunizations. The Sanofi/GSK vaccine begins Phase 3 trials immediately and may be ready for use by the end of the year. Click here to read more.