Since the first COVID-19 case was reported in Wuhan in late 2019, we are still in the first wave of the pandemic. This has led to 26 million infections and well over 500,000 deaths worldwide. Developing an effective and safe vaccine is believed to be a tool vital to controlling the pandemic.
However, the effort required to develop, evaluate, and produce the vaccine at speed and scale presents an enormous challenge. Researchers all around the world are working tirelessly to find and produce the vaccine. Experts have calculated that the process of fast-tracked development may bring a successful vaccine candidate to market within one year or less.
As of June 25th, 2020, there were 14 COVID-19 vaccines entering clinical trials, among the various institutions at this phase, Moderna and the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca are taking the lead position.[1]
Moderna has concluded the protocol and has recently initiated the Phase III clinical trial of its Covid-19 vaccine candidate, mRNA-1273, with 30,000 participants. The trial is being performed in collaboration with the US National Institutes of Health (NIH)’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Principally, the endgame of the Phase III trial is to effectively prevent the symptomatic Covid-19 disease while crucial secondary endpoints include the prevention of severe Covid-19 and SARS-CoV-2 infection.
According to the Phase I trial data, the 100 μg dose was determined to be the ideal dose level to optimize the immune response and reduce adverse reactions.
The University of Oxford/AstraZeneca has a greater global reach, in terms of where they are planning and carrying out their vaccine trials when compared to Moderna. The University of Oxford/AstraZeneca recently announced the initiation of Phase II/III UK trial of their COVID-19 vaccine, AZD1222, across a range of around 10,000 adult volunteers. Other late-stage trials are due to commence in several other countries around the world.
Based on the WHO Guidelines on clinical evaluation of vaccines, the humoral immune response is evaluated through antibody titer measurement after the administration of the vaccination.[2] ACROBiosystems has produced several antibody titer measurement ELISA kits to assist the evaluation of the immunogenicity of the vaccine, and further enhance the effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine research and development. These ELISA products were determined to have excellent specificity, high-sensitivity, and supreme reproducibility, which can meet the needs for vaccine characterization.
About ACROBiosystems
ACROBiosystems is a leading manufacturer of recombinant proteins and other critical reagents to support the development of target therapeutics. The company employs an application-oriented development strategy, with a particular focus on product design, quality control, and solution-based support. Our products and services enable anyone in the field of drug development to have a more intuitive and streamlined process.
To respond to the coronavirus pandemic, ACROBiosystems has developed SARS-CoV-2 antigens specifically designed and optimized for serological test kits, including Spike-derived antigen S1, RBD, and Nucleocapsid protein. Proteins have been supplied to diagnostic companies in large quantities.
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