Australian scientists have developed a new COVID-19 vaccine, named CoVEXS5, that offers protection against multiple variants of the virus.
Created by researchers from the Centenary Institute and the University of Sydney, the vaccine targets five variants, including the highly immune-evasive Omicron XBB.1.5 and SARS-CoV-1.
In laboratory studies, the vaccine reduced virus levels in the lungs of vaccinated mice by 99.9% compared to unvaccinated controls.
It also triggered strong immune responses, including high levels of virus-blocking antibodies and the activation of lung-specific T-cells.
Dr. Claudio Counoupas explained that the vaccine combines parts of several coronaviruses to better prepare the immune system for both current and future threats.
The CoVEXS5 vaccine includes a unique spike protein, created by fusing elements from various variants into a single structure, enhancing the immune system’s ability to detect and respond to a broader range of virus types.
Co-lead study author Elizabeth Chan said the immune response generated was both strong and broad, raising hopes for more resilient future vaccines.
The research team is now working on advancing the vaccine through further testing and development stages.
