GlaxoSmithKline PLC (LON:GSK) and Canada’s Medicago have reported positive interim Phase 2 trial data for the latter's plant-derived COVID-19 vaccine candidate.
The jab has been tested in combination with GSK's pandemic adjuvant, which cuts the amount of vaccine protein required per dose, which helps speed up production.
READ: GSK and Sanofi look to catch up in vaccine race with booster doses
Based on experience with other adjuvanted vaccines, there is potential for increased cross-protection against variants, the FTSE 100 firm said.
The inoculation caused an immune response ten times higher than in people who contracted the virus, across all age groups. There were no severe adverse effects.
The Phase 3 trial launched in mid-March enrolling 30,000 participants in Canada, the US, the UK and Brazil, with additional sites expected to be added in the coming weeks.
The candidate has received Fast Track designation by the FDA in the United States, and Health Canada has initiated a review of Medicago's COVID-19 rolling submission under the Interim Order.
“After two doses, the adjuvanted vaccine candidate induced robust neutralizing antibody and cellular immune responses in all subjects, irrespective of age," said Nathalie Landry, Executive Vice President, Scientific and Medical Affairs at Medicago.
“We hope to add another tool in the global fight against COVID-19, particularly as cross-protection emerges as an important consideration in vaccination efforts worldwide."
On Monday, GSK announced positive phase 2 results from the COVID-19 vaccine trial in partnership with French giant Sanofi.
Shares dipped 1% to 1,368.2p on Tuesday morning.
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