The results show memory T-cell recall from patients previously infected with the novel coronavirus, according to the company. ImmunityBio's novel vaccine candidate design hinges on the ability to stimulate SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells.

The vaccine candidate also features use of a second-generation hAd5, which can deliver antigens in people with preexisting adenovirus immunity, the company noted. The vaccine delivers both the spike and nucleocapsid SARS-CoV-2 proteins to stimulate memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, which are both important for clearing infected cells. In preclinical studies, the candidate elicited both T-cell immunity and neutralizing antibodies.

ImmunityBio aims to use the candidate to provide protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as to serve as a potential therapeutic to clear infected cells in patients with COVID-19.

The vaccine candidate is currently being evaluated in a phase I clinical trial in conjunction with its affiliate, NantKWest, which is enrolling 35 healthy adults ages 18 to 55 years old in a prime, boost dose regimen. The companies are sharing equally the costs of development, manufacturing, marketing, and commercialization of the COVID-19-related products each is developing.

ImmunityBio, NantKwest launch COVID-19 vaccine trial
ImmunityBio and NantKwest have launched phase I of a clinical trial for a COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

ImmunityBio begins phase I trial for its COVID-19 vaccine candidate
ImmunityBio has been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to begin a phase I clinical trial of its hAd5-COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

NantKwest scales up COVID-19 stem cell therapy
NantKwest announced that it received investigational new drug authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat patients with acute...