$IBIO The Company recently reported on development of IBIO-202, a subunit vaccine candidate that targets the nucleocapsid protein (“N protein”) of SARS-CoV-2. N proteins of many coronaviruses are highly immunogenic and are expressed abundantly during infection. In addition, the N protein is more highly conserved than the S protein, and therefore new viral variants may be less likely to escape vaccine protection.
"In light of the successful global roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines targeting the S protein and the emergence of variant strains of the disease, we decided to focus our efforts on the continued development of IBIO-202 as a differentiated vaccine candidate,” commented Mr. Isett. “The COVID-19 vaccine space remains highly competitive, with multiple approved vaccines in use in many countries. Nevertheless, various unmet needs remain, including: vaccines that provide broader protection against variants; the potential requirement for annual vaccine boosters; vaccines that do not require significant cold chain management; vaccines with alternative routes of administration; pan-coronavirus vaccines; and wider vaccine availability in developing countries," said Mr. Isett.
$IBIO iBio, Inc.“Studies of convalescent sera from patients that have recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection have shown that the combination of N-directed and S-directed immunity is important,” said Martin Brenner, DVM. Ph.D., iBio’s CSO. “Accordingly, we believe the N protein strategy of IBIO-202 may be complementary with existing S-directed vaccines, conferring additional protective effects that more closely mimic the natural immune responses of patients that have cleared the virus.”