CEPI to provide up to $20.6M to Gritstone bio for mRNA COVID-19 variant vaccine

As part of a new agreement with Gritstone bio, Inc., the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) will provide up to $20.6 million to support the development of a new, self-amplifying mRNA vaccine candidate for the growing number of COVID-19 variants.

These funds will cover a Phase One clinical trial, including the manufacturing of materials for that trial, preclinical studies, and optimization of manufacturing processes. Part of a growing effort on CEPI’s behalf to address current vaccines and next-generation COVID-19 vaccines, support for Gritstone puts it in the company of candidates from SK bioscience, the University of Hong Kong, VBI Vaccines, and ZerunBio.

“COVID-19 variants are already rendering some of our vaccines less effective, so it is critical that we don’t let our guard down: we must continue to invest in critical vaccine R&D if we are to stay one step ahead of this deadly virus,” Dr. Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, said. “CEPI is planning for the longer-term management of COVID-19 by investing in vaccines to address the threat of variants, and I’m pleased to work with Gritstone to advance the development of this innovative vaccine candidate, which can be made globally accessible through COVAX if it is proven to be safe and effective.”

The self-amplifying candidate is predicated on the idea of using the body’s internal workings to produce antigenic protein rather than injecting antigens directly into it. In this way, it works much like other mRNA vaccines. However, it is set apart by adapting viral RNA to allow only the genetic sequence for a specific antigen to be expressed while leaving its ability to copy itself intact. This could allow for smaller doses of RNA without losing potency. Gritstone also hopes it could provide potentially broad protection against other SARS-CoV-2 strains, thanks to the nature of its T-cell immune responses.

“Our unique approach combines our self-amplifying mRNA platform with a broad set of viral antigens beyond spike intended to drive robust and durable immune responses comprising both neutralizing antibodies and CD8+ T cells,” Dr. Andrew Allen, co-founder, president and CEO of Gritstone, said. “With this unique antigenic breadth, our CORAL vaccine may offer protection against emerging spike variants of SARS-CoV-2 that appear challenging for first-generation vaccines.”