In a significant development, GeoVax Labs, Inc. has unveiled promising data from the Phase 2 clinical trial of its innovative COVID-19 vaccine, GEO-CM04S1. The presentation took place at the World Vaccine Congress in Santa Clara, CA, from November 27-30, 2023, under the theme "COVID-19 Vaccines for Immunocompromised Patients."
The trial, registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04977024, focuses on assessing the safety and immunogenicity of GEO-CM04S1 in patients with compromised immune systems, particularly those who have undergone allogeneic or autologous hematopoietic cell transplants or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. These individuals face an elevated risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and require re-vaccination to enhance their immune responses.
Dr. Don Diamond, a Professor at the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, presented the data, emphasising GEO-CM04S1's heightened immunogenicity in immunocompromised patients. The vaccine demonstrated robust humoral (antibody) and cellular (T cell) responses, including the production of neutralising antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 ancestral virus, as well as variants of concern and the Omicron XBB 1.5 variant.
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David Dodd, Chairman and CEO of GeoVax, stressed the urgent need for next-generation COVID-19 vaccines designed to provide enhanced immune responses after the first dose, ensure long-lasting protection, and effectively address emerging variants. Dodd highlighted the limitations of current mRNA vaccines and monoclonal antibody therapies, particularly in swiftly delivering adequate protective immunity to immunocompromised patients.
GEO-CM04S1, designed to be "variant-agnostic," is positioned as a crucial tool in mitigating the impact of infections, safeguarding vulnerable populations, and fortifying our ability to combat infectious threats effectively. The vaccine's ability to induce potent immune responses in high-risk individuals, as demonstrated in the Phase 2 trial, marks a significant stride in the pursuit of comprehensive and enduring protection against COVID-19.
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The findings, some of which were recently published in the journal Vaccines, underscore the importance of ongoing research and development efforts to address the evolving landscape of the pandemic. As we continue to confront new variants, vaccines like GEO-CM04S1 play a pivotal role in minimising the risks of severe illness, hospitalisations, and mortality, ultimately contributing to the global effort to curb the impact of COVID-19.
