Premas Biotech’s COVID19 Vaccine Candidate Enters Animal Trials
Premas Biotech’s triple antigen VLP COVID-19 vaccine candidate enters animal trials
The world’s first triple antigen virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine candidate for the SARS CoV-2 virus was developed by the Gurgaon-based Premas Biotech. The firm announced that its vaccine candidate has progressed into animal trials now. This vaccine candidate is designed to produce an enhanced immune response by adopting a triple-antigen approach and it is the only such kind from India at the moment.
The immune response by dose titration and the safety in the rodent model will be evaluated in the four-week placebo-controlled, blinded, and randomized tests conducted in mice. Different dose amounts, including human doses, are planned to be administered by Premas Biotech. The manufacturing process of three surface antigens from SARS-CoV-2 for the VLP (virus-like particle) vaccine candidate has been completed successfully by the company.
Premas Biotech’s Co-Founder, and Managing Director, Prabuddha Kundu said, “Being able to manufacture and characterize the VLP containing three main proteins from the SARS-CoV-2 virus is exciting. Now, to analyze the safety and immunogenicity of the candidate, we are moving ahead for animal trials using mice. This is believed to be the first case
of a triple-antigen VLP administered to an animal for the SARS CoV-2 virus.”In about six weeks, the company expects to have the data and the findings of this study.
The firm’s Chief Operating Officer, and Co-Founder, Dr. Nupur Mehrotra described how the initiation of animal studies is an important milestone in the company’s efforts to develop the vaccine, and he said, “To test the safety and efficacy of our vaccine candidate, these animal trials will be crucial, and our goal to enter first in human (FIH) trials will be made possible through these trials.”
A manufacturing protocol has already been established and the large-scale production studies for the vaccine candidate have been initiated by Premas Biotech, and the company is working on the development of the Covid-19 vaccine through proof of concept approach in collaboration with its US partner Akers Biosciences.
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Premas Biotech’s COVID19 Vaccine
