Cambridge Completes First Human Trial of Sarbecovirus Vaccine
The University of Cambridge has completed the first human trial of pEVAC-PS, an AI-designed vaccine targeting the sarbecovirus family. The phase 1 trial involved 39 adults and showed the vaccine was safe and well tolerated across various doses. Modest immune responses were observed, prompting plans for a phase 2 trial to further investigate its efficacy.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have completed the first human trial of pEVAC-PS, a vaccine designed to target the broad family of sarbecoviruses, including COVID-19 and its relatives. The study involved 39 healthy adults between 18 and 50 and showed that the vaccine was safe and well tolerated at every dosage level, from 0.2 mg to 1.2 mg. Published in the Journal of Infection in June 2026, the results noted modest immune responses, providing a basis for a larger phase 2 trial.
The pEVAC-PS vaccine marks a shift in technology as the first of its kind to be designed entirely through computer simulations. Led by Jonathan Heeney, DVM, Ph.D., at Cambridge's Department of Veterinary Medicine, the team used genetic data from global surveillance to create a super-antigen that captures features common to all sarbecoviruses. This strategy attempts to overcome the limits of traditional vaccines, which often target specific strains that can mutate before a vaccine is even distributed.
During the trial, participants were divided into four groups, each receiving two equal doses to measure safety and immune reactions. The vaccine was delivered with a needle-free microfluidic jet, a method that may be useful in areas where conventional medical supplies are hard to manage. The vaccine was generally well tolerated, with only minor adverse events reported; these were primarily linked to one participant who had a coincidental COVID-19 infection.
Even with the modest immune responses, the trial showed that participants developed antibodies against conserved regions of the coronavirus spike protein. These stable areas are the key to recognizing multiple different strains. This cross-reactive response fits the vaccine’s goal of offering broad protection across the sarbecovirus family, which may help in preparing for future outbreaks.
The project will now move toward a larger phase 2 trial to further examine the efficacy and safety of pEVAC-PS. These initial findings establish a foundation for ongoing research into sarbecoviruses. As emerging infectious diseases continue to present global challenges, such advancements reflect the role of new technical approaches in public health and disease prevention.
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