What’s next for COVID vaccines?
This article by Jeffrey B. Ulmer and Lbachir BenMohamed, published in “Vaccine Insights 2024,” addresses the urgent need for next-generation COVID-19 vaccines capable of providing long-lasting protection against a wide range of coronavirus strains. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, with new variants emerging, the limitations of first-generation vaccines have become increasingly apparent. These vaccines, while effective in the short term, often show reduced efficacy over time and against new viral strains, underscoring the necessity for more versatile and durable vaccine solutions.
The authors delve into several advanced strategies that hold promise for the development of such vaccines. One key area of focus is the design of novel antigens that can elicit a robust immune response across different coronavirus variants. This approach aims to overcome the challenge of viral mutation by targeting conserved elements common to multiple strains.
Another critical aspect discussed is the role of T cell responses in providing lasting immunity. Unlike antibodies that target specific viral proteins, T cells can recognize and destroy infected cells, potentially offering broader protection against a variety of strains. Enhancing T cell responses through vaccine design could significantly improve the duration and breadth of immunity.
Additionally, the article highlights the importance of mucosal immunity in preventing respiratory infections. Vaccines that can stimulate immune responses in the mucosal linings, where respiratory viruses typically enter the body, could offer superior protection by blocking infection at its entry point.
The successful development of next-generation vaccines will require not only technological innovation but also global cooperation to ensure equitable access. The authors argue that overcoming these challenges is essential for ending the current pandemic and preparing for future coronavirus outbreaks.
By exploring these cutting-edge strategies, Ulmer and BenMohamed contribute valuable insights into the ongoing effort to develop vaccines that are not only effective against current variants but also adaptable to future challenges. Their work underscores the importance of continued research and collaboration in the face of an ever-changing viral landscape.
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TechImmune to Present at the 42nd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference
As Featured in Yahoo Finance
NEWPORT BEACH, CA, January 2, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE)—TechImmune, LLC., a biotechnology company developing a broad-spectrum, next generation coronavirus vaccine to end the current variant specific COVID-19 booster paradigm and to prevent future CoV pandemics, announced today that Dr. Jeffrey Ulmer, TechImmune’s President, will present at the 42nd annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference being held at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco, CA on January 8th – 11th, 2024. Dr. Ulmer will present a company overview on Wednesday, January 10th at 1:30 PM PST. Institutional investors who are interested in attending the presentation should contact their J.P. Morgan representative for registration information.
“Given the fast-growing resurgence of COVID over the past few months, it is critical to shine light on the acute and long-term effects of this devastating virus and, as such, we are pleased to introduce our groundbreaking T cell antigen technology at this esteemed healthcare conference,” commented Dr. Ulmer.
Current vaccines for COVID-19 rely upon immunizing subjects with vaccines targeting the virus surface Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 for induction of protective antibody responses. This methodology works well when there is a good match between the vaccine and circulating virus, but is problematic because of the high mutation rate in the Spike protein gene observed in the many COVID variants that have appeared since 2020. As a result, the current variant-specific booster strategy inevitably falls short as its always playing catch-up to the contagion and, by the time a new booster can be developed and deployed, the virus has already substantially mutated to form a new Spike variant.
TechImmune was founded around the scientific premise of developing a COVID vaccine targeting cell mediated immunity (T cells) to conserved common internal proteins of the virus and pairing it with the Spike based humoral vaccine. Such a broad-spectrum COVID vaccine would obviate the need for frequent updating and boosting, as well as prevent future outbreaks. With this goal in mind, the Company obtained an exclusive license for a T cell antigen platform technology from the University of California, which includes a set of rationally chosen and carefully engineered SARS-CoV-2 antigens that code for non-Spike internal proteins. In preclinical studies, the technology was able to demonstrate robust viral titer reductions and animal protection in hamster and mouse models when used alone and in combination with a Spike vaccine, across multiple virus strains starting from ancestral Wuhan strain to the recent XBB1.5 variant.
About TechImmune, LLC
Founded in 2021, the Company is Chaired by Gavin Herbert, former Allergan Chief Executive Officer & founder, and led by distinguished pharma executives including Jeffrey Ulmer PhD (President), former Head of Preclinical R&D at GlaxoSmithKline and Global Head of External Research at Novartis; Rick Haugen (Chief Financial Officer), former Chief Executive Officer of Amylin and Chief Operating Officer of Allergan; James Cavanaugh (Board member), former President of SmithKline U.S. and Chairman of Shire; and Trevor Jones CBE, PhD, DSc (Board member), former Head of Research for Burroughs Welcome. TechImmune is in the process of preparing to initiate a Phase I/II clinical trial to confirm Proof of Concept for the vaccine. For more information, please visit www.techimmune.com.
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USC Schaeffer Center’s Article on COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign
The USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics, in collaboration with Brown University, has produced an exceptionally insightful article that brilliantly encapsulates the monumental benefits of vaccines in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. This comprehensive study, which reveals that the global vaccination effort saved an estimated 2.4 million lives across 141 countries, serves as a resounding testament to the efficacy and critical importance of vaccines.
By providing a detailed analysis of the health and economic impacts, the article not only highlights the immediate life-saving potential of the vaccines but also emphasizes the significant economic benefits, valuing the lives saved at a staggering $6.5 trillion.
Moreover, the article effectively contrasts the success of vaccines with other non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as lockdowns and mask mandates, offering a clear perspective on the unparalleled role vaccines played in curbing the pandemic’s toll. The meticulous research and clear presentation in this article make it an indispensable resource for understanding the true scope and success of the global COVID-19 vaccination campaign.