GeoVax Secures Patent for Multi-Antigen COVID-19 Vaccine Design, Enhancing Pandemic Preparedness

GeoVax Labs, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company, announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued a Notice of Allowance for U.S. Patent Application No. 17/888,131, titled "Recombinant Modified Vaccinia Ankara (rMVA) Expressing Spike, Membrane, and Envelope Proteins of SARS-CoV-2." This patent protects GeoVax's novel vaccine design that uses its proprietary Modified Vaccinia Ankara platform to deliver three key structural proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus rather than relying solely on the Spike protein, as current mRNA vaccines do. By including multiple antigens, the GeoVax vaccine is designed to trigger a broader and more durable immune response, helping maintain protection even as the virus continues to evolve.

David A. Dodd, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GeoVax, stated that this patent allowance validates the company's innovative approach to vaccine design. The goal has been to move beyond single antigen delivery technologies to provide broader, longer-lasting protection, especially for vulnerable populations such as the immunocompromised, who remain at significant risk despite widespread vaccination. The new patent extends GeoVax's intellectual property portfolio covering its multi-antigen MVA vaccine platform, which supports multiple programs targeting infectious diseases.

This technology complements the company's existing protection for GEO-CM04S1, currently in Phase 2 clinical trials across several patient populations. The same platform also underpins GeoVax's programs for targeting smallpox and hemorrhagic fever viruses, supporting U.S. and global efforts to expand vaccine manufacturing and pandemic preparedness. For more information about the current status of clinical trials and other updates, visit the company website at https://www.geovax.com.

The patent's importance lies in its potential to address limitations of current COVID-19 vaccines, which primarily target the Spike protein that frequently mutates in new variants. By incorporating multiple viral proteins, the GeoVax approach could create more comprehensive immune protection that remains effective against emerging strains. This multi-antigen strategy represents a significant advancement in vaccine technology that could transform how future pandemics are addressed, moving beyond reactive approaches to create more resilient protection systems.

This development comes as the world continues to grapple with COVID-19 variants and prepares for future pandemic threats. The technology's application extends beyond COVID-19 to other infectious diseases, positioning GeoVax's platform as a versatile tool for global health security. The patent allowance strengthens the company's position in the competitive vaccine development landscape and could accelerate the advancement of its clinical programs toward regulatory approval and commercialization.