mRNA COVID-2019 vaccine - eTheRNA Immunotherapies
Latest Information Update: 06 Apr 2020
At a glance
- Originator eTheRNA Immunotherapies
- Class COVID-19 vaccines; RNA vaccines; Viral vaccines
- Mechanism of Action Immunostimulants
-
Orphan Drug Status
No
Orphan designation is assigned by a regulatory body to encourage companies to develop drugs for rare diseases.
- New Molecular Entity No
Highest Development Phases
- Preclinical COVID 2019 infections
Most Recent Events
Development Overview
Introduction
mRNA vaccine for COVID-2019 infections is being developed by eTheRNA Immunotherapies (spin-off from the VUB university). The development programme is focused on a vaccine candidate that integrates three different technologies, the company's proprietary trimix technology that stimulates dendritic cells into activating a strong CD4 and CD8 T cell response, a combination of T cell epitopes from the virus brought together on a single mRNA construct. An intranasal vaccine delivery platform using a nasal atomizer and a proprietary formulation that delivers the mRNA to the nasal mucosa and optimizes expression will be used. Intranasal delivery has been chosen since the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract are the immune system's primary line of defence. A strong nasal T cell effector and memory response is claimed to fight viral replication, colonization of the lung and thus disease. Preclinical development is underway in Belgium.
A consortium has been formed with North American and European partners to develop the novel mRNA vaccine against COVID-2019 infections. The eTheRNA consortium's approach selects conserved epitopes from the whole viral genome. Creating a vaccine that mounts a strong cellular (T cell) based response against these epitopes offers a better chance to overcome viral variability.
Key Development Milestones
In March 2020, eTheRNA Immunotherapies initiated preclinical development of mRNA COVID-2019 vaccine in Belgium [1] .
Drug Properties & Chemical Synopsis
- Route of administration Intranasal
- Formulation unspecified
- Class COVID-19 vaccines, RNA vaccines, Viral vaccines
- Mechanism of Action Immunostimulants
-
WHO ATC code
J07B-X (Other viral vaccines)
-
EPhMRA code
J7E (Viral Vaccines)
Development Status
Summary Table
| Indication | Qualifier | Patient Segment | Phase | Countries | Route / Formulation | Developers | Event Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COVID 2019 infections | - | Prevention | Preclinical | Belgium | Intranasal / unspecified | eTheRNA Immunotherapies | 24 Mar 2020 |
Commercial Information
Involved Organisations
| Organisation | Involvement | Countries |
|---|---|---|
| eTheRNA Immunotherapies | Originator | Belgium |
| eTheRNA Immunotherapies | Owner | Belgium |
Future Events
| Expected Date | Event Type | Description | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Jan 2021 | Trial Update | eTheRNA Immunotherapies plans clinical trial for COVID-2019 infections in early 2021 [1] | 27 Mar 2020 |
Development History
| Event Date | Update Type | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Mar 2020 | Phase Change - Preclinical | Preclinical trials in COVID-2019 infections (Prevention) in Belgium (Intranasal) [1] Updated 06 Apr 2020 |
| 24 Mar 2020 | Trial Update | eTheRNA Immunotherapies plans clinical trial for COVID-2019 infections in early 2021 [1] Updated 06 Apr 2020 |
References
-
eTheRNA Launches an International Consortium and Starts Development of Cross-strain Protective CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine for High Risk Populations.
Media Release
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