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$19.3 m allocated for developing ‘variant-proof’ SARS-CoV-2 vaccine
The University of Sydney is a lead partner in an international consortium awarded up to $19.3 million by The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations to support the development of a ‘variant-proof’ SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate.
The multidisciplinary collaboration of Bharat Biotech International Ltd (Bharat Biotech), India, ExcellGene SA, Switzerland and the University of Sydney, Australia seeks to establish preclinical and clinical proof of concept for a protein subunit vaccine designed to provide broad protection against all known SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, as well as future and yet to emerge variants of the virus.
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) is funding the researchers to conduct activities including immunogen design (to trigger a strong immune response), preclinical studies, manufacturing process development and a Phase 1 clinical trial.
“The threat of a new variant emerging that might evade the protection of our current vaccines is real, so investing in R&D for variant-proof SARS-CoV-2 vaccines is a global health security imperative. Our partnership with Bharat Biotech, University of Sydney and ExcellGene will advance the development of a vaccine candidate to protect against future variants of COVID-19, potentially contributing to the long-term control of the virus,” Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, said.
Professor Robyn Ward, Executive Dean and Pro Vice-Chancellor Medicine and Health at the University said “The University is delighted to partner with CEPI to progress its platform for the development of broadly protective COVID-19 vaccines. Our researchers are at the medical forefront of tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as anticipating what may lie ahead.”
Lead University of Sydney investigator Professor Jamie Triccas said the collaboration aims to deliver safe, affordable and highly effective vaccines to combat existing and future SARS-CoV-2 variants.
“Our international consortium is well placed to achieve this goal. The University of Sydney will provide a framework for pre-clinical assessment of vaccine candidates, together with access to Australia’s world-class early phase clinical trial community,” said Professor Triccas of the Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health.
Co-Investigator Dr Megan Steain said the work is important as we will continue to see high levels of circulating virus across the globe and the emergence of new variants with potential to evade pre-existing immunity.
“We aim to create a vaccine that ‘future proofs’ us against SARS-CoV-2 variants or new betacoronaviruses that may enter the human population. In addition, the vaccine technology we are utilising will bolster the vaccine development landscape in NSW and Australia,” said Dr Steain of the Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases and School of Medical Sciences.
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