Thread by @LizHighleyman

CoVac-1 is an experimental #COVID19 peptide vaccine designed to maximize T-cell response. In a Phase I/II study, it induced T-cell responses in ~90% of immunocompromised people with impaired B-cell function. @LabWalz
#AACR2022 #AACR22
bit.ly/3O3tytP

The CoVac-1 vaccine includes peptides from 6 viral components, not just the spike protein targeted by the vaccines approved in the U.S. More targets could mean better durability as spike mutates.

CoVac-1 was given as a single injection in the abdomen, which could be a barrier, both for the needle-averse & in terms of administration logistics. (Not clear if upper arm injection would be feasible.)

This study enrolled mostly people with leukemia or lymphoma (& a few with primary B-cell deficiency), but seems like it would also be applicable to organ transplant recipients & people with autoimmune conditions who take meds that impair B cell function.

At an #AACR22 press conference today, Claudia Tandler noted that a Phase III trial with a larger population of immunocompromised people is in the works. @LabWalz #AACR2022

https://twitter.com/AACR/status/1513873812827349004

.@Dorry_Segev Do you know if CoVac-1 is being studied in organ transplant recipients?