The vaccine design is based on large datasets obtained during the analysis of ImmunoPrecise Antibodies' (IPA) SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic programs, which the firm has used to craft its spike protein variant vaccine candidates.

The candidates are combined with a novel class of synthetic carbohydrate derivatives with the final formulations aimed at high efficacy and low adverse effects, the firms said.

The preclinical study is ongoing at the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA) in Catalonia, Spain, and is focusing on a single, low-dose administration. In tandem, IPA and LiteVax are starting ex vivo assays, with study results expected by November 2020. From there, the companies will be able to prioritize which vaccine candidates to develop further.

However, it should be noted the companies are not making any claims that the vaccine has the ability to eliminate, cure, or contain SARS-CoV-2 at this time.