August 20, 2020 -- Adaptive Phage Therapeutics has been awarded $9.8 million by the U.S. Department of Defense to develop multiple high-priority bacteriophage-based display vaccine candidates against SARS-CoV-2.
The funds will support the advancement and evaluation of candidates in phase I clinical trials.
Phage-based vaccine platforms can quickly adjust the vaccine in response to mutations in the coronavirus, are self-adjuvanted (activate and boost immune responses), and have the ability to display multiple antigens. The company is exploring the potential for an oral delivery system in the form of a lozenge for the vaccine and booster doses.
The company anticipates that phase I trials will demonstrate the safety and immunogenicity of the phage-based vaccine. If the phase I trials are successful, the company will plan to advance the vaccine through phase III studies and regulatory approval.