A Korean company developing adenoviral vector-based first and second generation COVID-19 vaccine is looking for partners under commercial agreement with technical assistance, investment agreement and research & development cooperation agreement.

Short summary A Korean company is developing first and second generation COVID-19 vaccine using its authentic adenoviral vector technology. The company’s vaccine can induce higher levels of neutralizing antibodies and T cells, and also can be supplied with competitive price and has convenience for storage and distribution. The company is looking for partners under commercial agreement with technical assistance, investment agreement and research & development cooperation agreement.

Full description Established in 2006, the Korean company has been developing first and second generation COVID-19 vaccine using its authentic adenoviral vector technology. Main elements and mechanisms of the vaccine are as follows. 1. Main elements a. Non-replicating adenoviral vector type 5/35 (Ad5/35) - High transduction efficiency due to its capacity of CD46-mediated binding to human antigen-presenting cells - Overcomes pre-existing immunity b. Spike protein gene (SARS-CoV-2 Ag) - Expedites stable expression of S-protein in transduced cells and enhances S-protein-specific immune responses 2. Mechanisms a. The vaccine delivers spike gene to antigen-presenting cells through CD46 binding. b. The antigen-presenting cells stimulate CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and B cells in either direct or indirect ways. c. By inducing neutralizing Ab responses and CD8 T cell responses, it blocks the virus invasion and removes infected cells early. 3. Development stage - COVID-19 vaccine: Phase 1/2a (completed) - COVID-19 vaccine-1 (modified version for mass production) : Phase 1 (completed), Phase 2b (IND approval & performs globally), Phase 3 (planned) ** vaccine candidates for wild virus - COVID-19 vaccine-1 OMI (Omicron-specific booster): : Phase 1/2 (IND approval), Phase 3 (planned) The Korean company aims to commercialize their COVID-19 vaccine candidates including omicron-specific booster and would like to cooperate with potential partners under commercial agreement with technical assistance, investment agreement and research & development cooperation agreement.

Advantages and innovations The main advantages of adenoviral vector-based first and second generation COVID-19 vaccine technology are as follows: 1. Efficacy and effective prevention for Intensive Care - Higher titers of neutralizing antibody than other adenoviral vectored vaccines, which can effectively prevent viral infections - Higher level of T cells than mRNA vaccines, which can reduce the risk for intensive care 2. Competitive price - Can be supplied at a relatively low price through its own unique technology and innovation in manufacturing process 3. Convenience for storage and distribution - Does not require cold-chain system 4. Fast development process against COVID-19 variants or emerging threats
Contact / source: NEXT EEN Widgets (europa.eu)