You would have thought that the vaccination of the coronavirus ended when Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) came first across the finish line in December. But there is a new vaccination battle going on. And this is the race to prove that a vaccine can protect against new viral strains. Variants from Brazil, the United Kingdom and South Africa currently concern the scientific community (and the rest of us) the most. But it is possible that new variants of concern will arise along the way.
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) emphasized exactly how his research vaccine performed against the new strains in his Phase 3 trial. An advisory committee of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) met on February 26 to discuss possible emergency permits (EUA) for the candidate.
But Johnson & Johnson is not alone. Other companies show us how their vaccines can overcome new strains – or develop new ways of doing the job. Here’s a look at some notable players in this new race.
Image Source: Getty Images.
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson’s phase 3 clinical trial unfolded as the worrying strains gathered strength. This enabled the company to measure how the research vaccine against these strains was in a real environment. The result? The candidate showed 66% efficiency in Latin America (where the Brazilian tribe is commonly found) and 57% efficiency in South Africa (the home of the South African tribe). The vaccine has shown 72% efficacy in the US, where cases of the British strain are still on the rise.
This is pretty positive news for two reasons. First, unlike its largest competitors, Johnson & Johnson has developed a single-dose candidate, so this level of efficacy after just one dose is excellent. Also, the FDA originally set a benchmark for 50% efficiency or better – and Johnson & Johnson surpasses this point even against South African tensions.
Modern
Modernsay (NASDAQ: MRNA) vaccine is already on the market. The biotechnology company tested the product in vitro against British and South African strains and found that it was still protective. But Moderna does not stop there: he is investigating two possible boosters to further boost immunity.
One of the enhancers is a third dose of vaccine – the idea is that it can further increase the levels of neutralizing antibodies, which block infection. The second amplifier under investigation is one that specifically targets the South African tribe. If this second booster works, Moderna can update it as new variants emerge. Moderna says it is moving this species-specific enhancer to preclinical and phase 1 trials.
Novavax
Novavaxsay (NASDAQ: NVAX) Phase 3 British trial and Phase 2b South African trial enabled the company to see how its vaccine candidate handles different variants in each country. The trials showed 85.6% efficiency against the British tribe and 60% efficiency against the South African tribe.
Like Moderna, Novavax plans to increase its chances of dealing with new strains effectively. The company said it is working on a stage or vaccine candidate that could target more than one strain. Candidate clinical trials are expected to begin in the second quarter of this year.
Gritstone Oncology
Gritstone Oncology (NASDAQ: GRTS) is further from the finish line than the competitors mentioned above. The company recently signed an agreement with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to launch clinical trials.
Today’s vaccinations target the protein of the original coronavirus. It is the protein that infects healthy cells. Gritstone’s research vaccine contains not only spike protein antigen but also other viral antigens. In this way, even though mutations alter the coronavirus’ peak protein a lot, our immune systems will recognize the other antigens. This could make the Gritstone candidate more effective against new strains than vaccines that focus only on the peak protein. Preclinical studies were encouraging and showed high levels of neutralizing antibodies and immune system responses.
Ocugen
Ocugen (NASDAQ: OCGN) recently finalized an agreement that would allow him to co-develop and commercialize Bharat Biotech International’s research vaccine in the US. Bharat recently received emergency permission in his native India.
The product, Covaxin, led to lasting immune responses to various viral proteins and showed neutralizing abilities across strains, according to Ocugen’s CEO. Bharat has not yet reported Phase 3 data, but said earlier this year that he would do so by March. Ocugen has begun talks with the FDA about a path to EUA. But it is not clear how long the process will take.
CureVac
CureVac (NASDAQ: CVAC) began the nuclear test of its coronavirus vaccine candidate in December. The company, like Pfizer and Moderna, is working on a messenger RNA vaccine (mRNA). More recently, CureVac has partnered with the UK government to develop potential vaccines to treat coronavirus variants. Any vaccine resulting from the partnership is initially manufactured and distributed in the United Kingdom
CureVac said the current vaccination program “will benefit” from working on this new project. The company did not provide details, but we can suggest a few options, including the addition of a new strain vaccine candidate as a stimulant to the current research vaccine.
What does all this mean for investors?
Each of these programs offers at least one compelling element. But at this point, I have full confidence in those closest to the finish line: Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and Novavax. However, I do not expect Johnson & Johnson to offer a large profit from the progress with investors. The company does not intend to take advantage of vaccine sales during the pandemic, and it is difficult for a company with a market capitalization of $ 435 billion to move the share price.
Modern is the closest to the finish line in this new race – in the USA. The biotechnology company has already started studies on their boosters. And it recently has a new advantage: the Biden government has bought just enough vaccine doses to immunize all Moderna and Pfizer Americans. So, if Moderna comes out with an amplifier, it could really clinch the deal as a leader in the US market.
Novavax can become a leader in the international market. The data released from the UK and South Africa trials showed good performance against variants of concern. A possible amplifier can move the needle from “good” to “excellent”.