Safety and Immunogenicity of LNP-nCOV saRNA-02 Vaccine Against SARS-CoV-2, the Causative Agent of COVID-19

Summary

COVAC Uganda is a study that is looking at the use of an innovative self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccine (LNP-nCOV saRNA-02) against the virus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19 and assessing the immune response in SARS-CoV-2 antibody seronegative and seropositive individuals. saRNA is designed to amplify the quantity of RNA upon injection to produce further antigen, thereby enabling lower doses for administration. In the trial "COVAC1", Imperial College London is currently evaluating one COVID-19 saRNA vaccine candidate in doses from 0.1-10ug for individuals who are seronegative for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at baseline. Interim analyses of COVAC1 has shown a dose dependent response; however, up to 50% of seronegative participants receiving doses of 2.5-10ug do not seroconvert. The investigators hypothesize that a lack of seroconversion is due to type I and III interferon (IFN) production, which can inhibit translation and degrade cellular mRNA. Another variable that can enhance antibody production is serological history: recent studies have shown that seropositive individuals respond significantly better than naïve individuals who received the Pfizer or Moderna RNA-based COVID-19 vaccine. Therefore, designing the saRNA backbone to dampen IFN production and evaluating this in individuals seropositive at baseline will inform the optimised use of this innovative technology. In COVAC Uganda, the investigators aim to test an saRNA vaccine modified to dampen the activation of type I and III IFN, to increase antibody production, for individuals who are seronegative and seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at baseline, to evaluate whether people with pre-existing seropositivity have enhanced immune responses compared to those without. This trial is NOT looking at whether or not the vaccine is effective in terms of protection. It is just assessing whether and how well the immune system responds based on SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at baseline and its safety.

Timeline

Start

2021-12-02

Primary completion

2022-11-01

Completion

2022-12-31

Publications

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