GeoVax's Innovative Vaccine Shows Promise in Protecting Against COVID-19 and Mpox

Researchers at GeoVax Labs have unveiled promising results for their next-generation vaccine candidate GEO-CM04S1, which shows potential for providing simultaneous protection against COVID-19 and Mpox. Presented at the American Association of Immunologists Annual Meeting, the study highlights the vaccine's ability to generate strong, cross-reactive immune responses in both immunocompromised and healthy populations.

The Phase 2 clinical study, conducted in collaboration with City of Hope Medical Center, demonstrated robust and durable anti-SARS-CoV-2 immune responses, particularly in blood cancer patients undergoing cell transplantation or CAR-T therapy. Notably, the vaccine displayed cross-reactive immunity against current COVID-19 variants, including the Omicron XBB.1.5 strain.

Beyond COVID-19 protection, the vaccine's most significant breakthrough lies in its potential cross-protective capabilities against Mpox. Preliminary research showed that sera from vaccinated healthy adults and non-human primates generated immune responses comparable to the currently licensed smallpox/Mpox vaccine. Furthermore, these immune responses demonstrated protective qualities against lung infection in susceptible mouse models.

Dr. Kelly T. McKee, Chief Medical Officer of GeoVax, emphasized the vaccine's unique potential, particularly for immunocompromised populations and regions where Mpox is endemic. The vaccine's design, utilizing a synthetic Modified Vaccinia Ankara vector platform, allows it to express both spike and nucleocapsid antigens of SARS-CoV-2, potentially offering broader and more sustained immune protection.

Currently, GEO-CM04S1 is being evaluated in three distinct Phase 2 clinical trials. These trials are exploring its effectiveness as a primary vaccine for immunocompromised patients, a booster for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and a booster for healthy adults previously vaccinated with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.

The research represents a significant advancement in vaccine technology, offering hope for more comprehensive infectious disease prevention strategies. By targeting multiple antigens and demonstrating cross-protective capabilities, GEO-CM04S1 could potentially revolutionize approaches to vaccination, especially for vulnerable populations.