Cambridge's AI-designed vaccine completes first human trial

The University of Cambridge has completed the first human trial of pEVAC-PS, an AI-designed vaccine intended to protect against the Sarbecovirus family, which includes potential future coronaviruses. The trial involved 39 healthy adults and focused on the safety and tolerability of the vaccine across various dose levels. Results showed the vaccine was well tolerated, with no serious side effects reported. This work represents a step toward developing vaccines capable of providing broader protection against shifting viral threats.

Researchers led by Jonathan Heeney at Cambridge University developed pEVAC-PS to address the limitations of traditional vaccines, which are typically designed for specific circulating strains. The team used genetic sequence data from Sarbecoviruses around the world to create a vaccine that targets common features within the group. By using an AI platform called Digitally Immune Optimized Synthetic Vaccine, they designed a super-antigen meant to improve the immune response against a wide range of related viruses.

To deliver the vaccine, the team used a microfluidic jet, a needle-free method that works well in environments where traditional injections and cold-chain storage are difficult. During the trial, participants were divided into four groups to receive two doses of 0.2 mg, 0.4 mg, 0.8 mg, or 1.2 mg. Safety assessments were performed sequentially, ensuring that higher doses were only introduced after the safety of the lower doses had been confirmed.

While the vaccine produced modest immune responses, the researchers noted that the trial coincided with successive COVID-19 waves, which made the results more difficult to interpret. Many participants had already received other COVID-19 vaccinations, potentially influencing their immune levels. However, the trial successfully showed the development of antibodies targeting conserved regions of the coronavirus spike protein, suggesting the vaccine could provide cross-reactive immunity against various strains.

The next phase for pEVAC-PS will be a larger phase 2 trial to further evaluate its efficacy. These initial findings provide a basis for future research into vaccines that offer broader protection against coronaviruses. As global efforts to manage emerging infectious diseases continue, the methods used by the Cambridge team may contribute to public health preparedness and the way the world responds to future viral outbreaks.