PDS 0203 vaccine elicits immuno-response in early trials for COVID-19.- PDS Biotechnology Corp

PDS Biotechnology Corporation announced preclinical data for its COVID-19 vaccine candidate, PDS 0203 (Versamune-CoV-2). PDS 0203 pairs the Versamune platform with a recombinant protein recognized by the human immune system that is derived from the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus that causes COVID-19. The protein included in PDS 0203 encompasses SARS-CoV-2 sections that induce an antibody response, as well as sections that are recognized by CD8 and CD4 T-cells. PDS Biotech has generated robust preclinical data confirming that PDS 0203 elicits induction of highly active and potent virus-specific CD8 killer and CD4 helper T-cells within 14 days of treatment. Importantly, the study also demonstrated induction of the long-lasting virus-specific memory T-cells necessary for longer term protection. PDS 0203 demonstrated a 30-45 fold increase in COVID-19 specific T-cells by Day 14 when compared to the vaccine without Versamune. These preclinical studies also confirmed induction of strong anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies within 14 days, with a 20-25-fold increase when compared to the vaccine without Versamune. Lastly, these preclinical studies showed a further substantial increase in neutralizing antibody levels continuing more than 30 days after vaccination. PDS Biotech plans to submit details of the preclinical studies to a peer reviewed scientific journal.