Cambridge University to begin COVID-19 vaccine trials soon, post UK funding boost

University of Cambridge is aiming to begin clinical trials of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate as early as late autumn. This move came after UK government provided Cambridge University with £1.9million funding for coronavirus vaccine research. University of Cambridge is collaborating with DIOSynVax and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust for this COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

Cambridge University's COVID-19 Vaccine

funding provided by UK government will help Cambridge in taking its COVID-19 vaccine candidate to clinical trials level. clinical trials for this COVID-19 vaccine will be conducted at National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Southampton Clinical Research Facility at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. As per Cambridge University press release, it is funding that may help m start trials by autumn of 2020. 

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In order to develop ir COVID-19 vaccine, DIOS-CoVax2, Cambridge University is using genetic sequences of all kwn coronaviruses. For this COVID-19 vaccine research, scientists are using computer-generated antigens which have been encoded with syntic genes that can help human immune system in fighting coronavirus. According to press release, founder of DIOSynVax, Professor Jonathan Heeney who is also he of Laboratory of Viral Zootic at University of Cambridge said that y are trying to induce an immune response while using 3D computer modelling of coronavirus. 

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“Our approach involves 3D computer modelling of SARS-CoV-2 virus’s structure. It uses information on virus itself as well as its relatives – SARS, MERS and or coronaviruses carried by animals that threaten to ‘spill-over’ to humans again to cause future human epidemics. We’re looking for chinks in its armour, crucial pieces of virus that we can use to construct vaccine to direct immune response in right direction. Ultimately we aim to make a vaccine that will t only protect from SARS-CoV-2 but also or related coronaviruses that may spill over from animals to humans," said Professor Heeney. 

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According to Cambridge University press release, this COVID-19 vaccine candidate can be 'freeze-dried' like a powder. This means that coronavirus vaccine does t need cold stor which makes stor and transportation much easier. As per release, it can be ministered through 'a simple jet of air' and does t need to be injected in human body. 

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“Most research groups have used established approaches to vaccine development because of urgent need to tackle pandemic. We all hope current clinical trials have a positive outcome, but even successful vaccines are likely to have ir limitations – y may be unsuitable for vulnerable people, and we do t kw how long ir effects will last for, for example. Our approach – using syntic DNA to deliver custom-designed, immune selected vaccine antigens – is revolutionary and is ideal for complex viruses such as coronavirus. If successful, it will result in a vaccine that should be safe for widespre use and that can be manufactured and distributed at a low cost," said COO of DIOSynVax, Dr Rebecca Kinsley, who is also a postdoctoral researcher at University of Cambridge. 

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