Aussie biopharma sets sights on 2nd-gen COVID vaccine

An Australian biopharma company is developing the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine which can offer immunity against all variants.

EnGeneIC is currently conducting anti-COVID-19 vaccine trials with its patented platform technology based around a biological nanocell (EDV; EnGeneIC Dream Vector) in Sydney and Melbourne. 

Clinical trials have shown the novel vaccine stimulates a completely different immune pathway from other vaccines, producing “high affinity” antibodies that neutralise all COVID-19 variants.

Initially developed as a breakthrough in cancer treatment, these EDVs are loaded with anti-viral molecules to deliver a world-first nano-cellular COVID-19 vaccine.

Based on the company’s trials treating late-stage cancer patients, EnGeneIC believes its COVID-19 EDV vaccine will also be effective in those who are immune-compromised.

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EnGeneIC founders and joint CEOs, Dr Himanshu Brahmbhatt and Dr Jennifer MacDiarmid, said they were seeing high levels of high-affinity neutralising antibodies against all variants, including the now-common Omicron BA2, and a robust T cell and memory response in trial participants.

“So, even if the spike protein mutates or changes, EnGeneIC’s antibodies still stick to it tightly and neutralise it,” said Dr. Brahmbhatt.

“Additionally, the novel vaccine has a shelf life of one year and can be stored and transported at room temperature, making them be supply chain efficient while serving developing and remote locations.”