Promising Phase 1 results demonstrate the power of collaboration in advancing next-generation vaccine research
PHARMExcel is proud to have supported the successful delivery of a pioneering first-in-human clinical trial evaluating an AI-designed universal coronavirus vaccine, following the publication of positive Phase 1 findings in the Journal of Infection.
The innovative vaccine, developed by DIOSynVax in collaboration with researchers at the University of Cambridge, is designed to provide broad protection against multiple Sarbecovirus strains,including SARS-CoV-2, SARS and related bat coronaviruses with pandemic potential.
The Phase 1 study, sponsored by University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, enrolled 39 healthy volunteers through the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility, with additional recruitment at the NIHR Cambridge Clinical Research Facility. The study demonstrated that the vaccine was safe and well tolerated, while generating encouraging immune responses against a broad range of coronaviruses.
Unlike traditional vaccines that are developed in response to circulating viruses, the AI-designed vaccine uses computational modelling to identify common viral features across an entire virus family. This approach aims to provide broader, longer-lasting protection against both existing and future emerging viruses.
As the Contract Research Organisation (CRO) supporting the study, PHARMExcel worked closely with the sponsor and research teams to provide specialist safety management throughout the trial, helping to ensure participant safety while supporting the efficient delivery of this complex first-in-human study.
Yvanne Enever, CEO of PHARMExcel
The programme represents another example of PHARMExcel’s growing expertise in vaccine clinical development and its ability to support innovative early-phase studies through collaborative partnerships with NHS organisations, academic institutions and biotechnology companies.
Yvanne Enever, CEO of PHARMExcel, said:
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see such positive results from a study that has the potential to influence how vaccines are developed in the future. While there is still further clinical development ahead, these findings represent an important milestone for everyone involved.”
“This study also demonstrates the value of true collaboration. Successful clinical research depends on sponsors, CROs, NHS research teams and investigators working together with a shared focus on scientific excellence and participant safety. We are proud to have supported DIOSynVax and University Hospital Southampton by providing safety management expertise throughout the trial and look forward to seeing this exciting programme continue to progress.”
PHARMExcel has extensive experience delivering vaccine studies across a range of infectious diseases, providing flexible clinical development support from early-phase studies through to later-stage programmes. Working closely with sponsors, investigators and NHS research sites, the company helps accelerate the delivery of high-quality clinical research while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and regulatory compliance.
As vaccine technologies continue to evolve, strong partnerships between industry, academia and clinical research organisations will remain critical to translating scientific innovation into treatments that can benefit patients around the world.
