Exciting Step Forward in Saskatchewan COVID-19 Vaccine Research

The team working on a COVID-19 vaccine in Saskatchewan says the vaccine has proven highly effective in ferrets which is one of the most commonly used animal models for the novel coronavirus.

To evaluate its effectiveness the ferrets received two immunizations prior to being exposed to SARS-Co-V-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Researchers at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre at the University of Saskatchewan, says the animals had a strong immune response, generated neutralizing antibodies and decreased viral infection in the upper respiratory tract to almost undetectable levels.

VIDO-InterVac Director Dr. Volker Gerdts says proving the vaccine is effective in ferrets is a key milestone in the development pathway.

Acting Associate Director of Research, Dr. Scott Napper, says up until the point where protection from the disease is demonstrated, the vaccine is strictly theoretical, but now that there is evidence of protection from the disease, in the ferrets, it gives them a lot more confidence moving forward. Napper explains that the vaccine is based upon a particular protein of the virus combined with a adjuvant, created by Vido-Intervac, which is used to help stimulate the immune system.

Dr. Napper says the next steps, this summer, will include further safety toxicology studies and producing materials that are up to Good Manufacturing Practice conditions. This process he says is crucial which will allow VIDO-Intervac to go into human clinical trials in the fall. Napper says with a bit of luck they could have a vaccine that could be used for emergency purposes within a year.