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SARS Vaccine Development

The Vaccine Research Center (VRC) contracted with Vical, Inc. to manufacture a single closed, circular DNA plasmid based vaccine encoding the S protein of SARS-CoV. VRC mouse studies demonstrated that this vaccine induces T cell and neutralizing antibody responses, as well as protective immunity. A Phase I open-label clinical study to evaluate safety, tolerability, and immune response was completed in May 2006. The study enrolled 10 healthy 18-50 years old subjects, and administered 4 mg DNA vaccinations at three one month intervals. Interim study results indicate that the vaccine is well tolerated, and immunogenicity analysis of the stored samples is ongoing.

NIH press release - December 13, 2004
First U.S. SARS Vaccine Trial Opens at NIH. The first human trial of a vaccine designed to prevent SARS infection opened today.

NIH press release - March 31, 2004
NIAID Vaccine Protects Against SARS Virus Infection in Mice. An experimental vaccine prevents the SARS virus from replicating in laboratory mice, according to a new report in the April 1 issue of "Nature".