The outbreak of the novel beta-coronavirus from Wuhan, China, has left to over half of the world’s population in a status of panic and indescribable fear. The pharmaceutical industry has not been spared from the panic either because it was caught unprepared. As a result, hundreds of companies have stepped out to head to the need for an urgent solution. Heat Biologics Inc (NASDAQ:HTBX) says its novel COVID-19 vaccine has demonstrated positive progress.
Data from the preclinical studies of the COVID-19 Vaccine showed robust T cell-mediated immune response to SARS-CoV-2. In both “killer” CD8+ T and “helper” CD4+ T cell expansion was noted from the vaccine’s inducement. The former destroy virus-infected cells while the latter assists in generating highly detailed antibodies.
The most notable thing was the reaction of just a single injection of the vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. The injection generated several and important immune responses.
The Vaccine Can Be a Standalone Vaccine or In Combination
Heat Biologics has previously highlighted the importance of T cell immunity in preventing COVID-19. Additionally, studies from patients who have recovered have outlined the reliance on T cell responses and the necessity of CD4 T cells in generating effective antibody responses.
From this, the company’s CEO Jeff Wolf is drawing enthusiasm that they are on the right path to having a reliable vaccine. It can be used as a standalone or in combination, an approach that enhances its efficacy.
‘’…unlike most of these approaches that drive primarily an antibody response, our COVID-19 vaccine is designed to drive predominantly T cell immunity along with antibody responses and innate immunity…’’ he explained.
Multiple Product Candidates in Development
Heat Biologics’ has continued to lay a foundation of collaboration with various collaborators. The company has a particular interest in the development of first-in-class therapies, which modulate the immune system. Through the use of its gp96 platform, the biopharma has activated multiple product candidates against cancer or pathogenic antigens.
Some of these antigens include HS-110 and HS-130 both in Phase 2 trial and Phase 1, respectively. It is also pursuing PTX-35, which is in a Phase 1 trial enrollment.
