Today, the Access to Advanced Health Institute (AAHI) announced results of a study of its new RNA vaccine against COVID-19. preclinical Studies published in NPJ vaccines demonstrate the ability of AAHI’s unique SARS-CoV-2 self-amplifying RNA vaccine to elicit strong antibody and T-cell immunity against multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2. This next-generation approach to RNA vaccine technology combines self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) with a unique nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) delivery vehicle containing an adjuvant and is used to drive longer-lasting, comprehensively protective immunity against pandemic pathogens. AAHI’s RNA vaccines can be easily freeze-dried to ensure long-term stability at room temperature or in the refrigerator (more than 10 months). SARS-CoV-2 RNA vaccine candidate AAHI-SC2 is currently being evaluated in liquid form in a first-in-human Phase 1/2 clinical trial sponsored by ImmunityBio in South Africa (NCT05370040).
The current RNA vaccine strategy endorsed by the US government in response to the COVID pandemic relies on the continued development and distribution of boosters against the latest variants of concern that are likely to provide protection for six months or less. This rapidly dwindling protection makes high-risk groups such as the elderly, children, and immunocompromised much more vulnerable. “We clearly need vaccines against COVID-19 that promote protection for more than a few months — in both resource-rich and resource-poor regions — to really achieve that…
