Scancell Holdings PLC (LON:SCLP) said it has selected a candidate for its coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, SN14, that it believes has several advantages over those already approved.
In a statement, Scancell said SN14 targets both the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein and the key receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike (S) protein, and is based on a modification of its ImmunoBody DNA vaccine technology.
Fifteen vaccine candidates containing different S and N components combined with a variety of targeting technologies were evaluated for the best T cell and antibody [immune] responses.
Scancell said that as a second-generation vaccine, SN14 offers several potential advantages over currently approved and late-stage COVID-19 vaccines including the destruction of cells infected with the virus in addition to stopping it from entering cells.
SN14 also has the potential to be effective against any variant or new strain of coronavirus in addition to the current COVID-19 strain and to build up longer-term immunity.
Temperature storage and manufacturing are also relatively simple, Scancell said.
The company is working with Cobra Biologics on the preliminary work with the aim to start a Phase 1 COVIDITY clinical trial as soon as possible during 2021.
The project is funded by an Innovate UK grant awarded to a consortium between Scancell, the University of Nottingham and Trent University.
Professor Lindy Durrant, Scancell’s chief scientific officer added: "We are very excited about our SN14 second-generation COVID-19 vaccine which could have significant advantages over first-generation vaccines, either on its own or in combination with other vaccines to broaden and strengthen the immune response for long term protection.