A novel DNA vaccine that delivers long lasting immunity by stimulating high avidity CD8 T cells and strong neutralising antibodies

Scancell have developed a fast, low cost and effective DNA vaccine which stimulates potent immune responses that can kill cancer cells and has already been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of patients with skin cancer. This approach can also be used to develop a safe and effective vaccine to prevent infection with viruses such as the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Like other vaccines being developed, Scancell’s will help the body to make antibodies to stop the COVID-19 virus getting into cells and causing the person to become infected. What makes our vaccine different from other approaches is that it will also stimulate the immune system to make special T cells that can recognise and kill cells that may have been infected with the virus. These T cells will also remain in the body longer than antibodies and be there in case of future infections. Scancell has made two different vaccines: SCOV1 targets the original Wuhan strain of the virus and SCOV2 targets variant of concern, including Delta and Omicron. As all adults in the UK have now been offered a COVID-19 booster injection, the Scancell COVID-19 vaccines have been administered to healthy volunteers in South Africa where vaccination rates are much lower. Scancell’s vaccines are being given using a needle-free injection device which is easy to use, liked by patients and volunteers, and suitable for use in a pandemic. Evaluation of the safety profile and immune responses induced by the SCOV1 and SCOV2 vaccines in healthy volunteers will allow us to move into the next phase of the study in pre-vaccinated volunteers.