Once the Fusogenix DNA vaccine formulation has been produced it will undergo preclinical testing for safety and efficiency
Entos Pharmaceuticals is developing a DNA vaccine against COVID-19 using its Fusogenix nanomedicine platform. Credit: Pete Linforth/Pixabay.
Canada-based healthcare biotechnology firm Entos Pharmaceuticals has announced their development of a DNA vaccine for the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic using its Fusogenix nanomedicine platform.
Entos’ proprietary drug delivery system, Fusogenix, is a proteo-lipid vehicle (PLV) for genetic medicines that allows the formulation of effective DNA vaccines that can be controlled like the flu vaccine.
In contrast to traditional vaccines, a DNA-based vaccine requires the direct introduction of a plasmid encoding the antigen(s) against which an immune response is sought and relies on the production of the target antigen in the patient’s own cells.
The said approach provides several potential advantages over traditional approaches, such as the enhanced vaccine stability, stimulation of both B- and T-cell responses, the absence of any infectious agent and ease of large-scale manufacture.
The protein epitopes will stimulate the body’s natural antibody production to prevent COVID-19 disease
Entos has developed distinctive formulations to efficiently provide a range of genetic therapies, including plasmid DNA.
According to Entos, the vaccine payload will make use of plasmid DNA to encode multiple antigens from significant SARS-CoV-2 proteins to encourage maximum protection.
Fusogenix allows safe and effective delivery of DNA payloads directly into cells to drive potent immune responses.
Entos CEO Dr. John Lewis said: “The global population needs access to a safe and effective vaccine against the novel coronavirus to prevent future COVID-19 infections.
“Our Fusogenix platform will allow us to generate protection against multiple structural components of the novel coronavirus, which should not only provide a robust response against SARS-COV-2, but potentially against future coronavirus threats.”
Entos stated that the Fusogenix DNA vaccine will undergo preclinical testing for safety and efficiency, once it has been produced.
The company will immediately partner with appropriate health agencies, pharmaceutical companies and government partners to advance the novel Fusogenix vaccine to human clinical trials.