The AKS-452 vaccine from Akston Biosciences is now moving into phase 2 testing
The UMCG in Groningen reports that it has achieved very positive results in its first phase of research into a new vaccine, made by US-based company Akston Biosciences. This vaccine apparently offers an unprecedentedly high level of protection, and now the hospital is looking for 116 volunteers for a second phase. As reported by the GIC.
The first results of the Akston Biosciences vaccine research show a positive picture: the ‘seroconversion rate’ is 100%, which means that the vaccine can offer very good protection against the coronavirus. All 60 study participants had an excellent antibody response from a single shot containing 90 micrograms of the vaccine. A much higher concentration of antibodies was also found in the vaccinated volunteers than in people who had a COVID-19 infection. Some volunteers experienced mild side effects similar to currently licensed vaccines. This may include feeling sore at the site of the injection shortly after the vaccination.
Volunteers wanted for phase 2
Now that this first phase has been successfully completed, the UMCG is again looking for volunteers for the second phase of the research. These are healthy people between the ages of 18 and 85 who have not had the Coronavirus and have not yet received another vaccine. Participants will not lose their right to receive another vaccine later. Everyone who participates in the study will receive a vaccine. Therefore, no placebo was used in this study. Volunteers receive €500 for participating in the study. There is also a recruitment fee of €200 for each suitable participant that is nominated.
The aim is to further investigate the safety, tolerability and response of the immune system to the vaccine.
Different type of vaccine
The Akston vaccine is based on a spike protein, which is fused to a protein fragment of a human antibody. The vaccine is contained in a liquid or adjuvant that enhances the immune response. No genetic material is used in this type of vaccine. It is therefore not an mRNA vaccine and does not use any other virus.
The global vaccine
The Akston vaccine can be stored in a refrigerator and keeps well at room temperature for up to four weeks. It is therefore easy to transport to other parts of the world, where storage temperatures of -80 °C (the storage temperature of the currently registered vaccines) are impossible and the vaccination coverage is low; such as in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
By vaccinating as many people as possible worldwide, we prevent the emergence and spread of new variants of the virus. In total, 11 billion more vaccines are needed to achieve this. Akston already has more than 250 million vaccines ready. Once the research has been completed and approved by the official authorities, they can be used.
You can register for the study by sending an email to ACTstudie@chir.umcg.nl
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
