China Allows Trials to Evaluate Mixing and Matching of INOVIO, Sinovac Vaccines

To quickly vaccinate the global population, several biotech companies have launched clinical trials to examine the efficacy and safety of mixing COVID-19 vaccines. So, a second shot of the same vaccine wouldn’t be necessary for the vaccination to remain effective.

Mixing a DNA and an Inactivated Vaccine

On August 9th, China allowed Inovio to conduct two clinical trials mixing its DNA vaccine, INO-4800, and the WHO-approved inactivated vaccine, Sinovac’s CoronaVac. The trials will investigate the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of the combination.

In fact, the mixing of INO-4800 and CoronaVac have already been examined in animal models. Results show increased levels of antigen-specific binding antibodies, neutralizing antibodies by both live-virus neutralization assay and hACE2 receptor blocking assay, and antigen-specific T cell immune responses.

INO-4800’s Clinical Progress

Currently, INO-4800 has entered the Phase 3 segment of the Phase 2/3 INNOVATE trial. The global trial will take place in countries in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. According to Phase 1 and 2 trials, INO-4800 could generate a strong CD8 T cell level against the Delta variant and induce balanced T cells and B cells immune response.

The strongest suit of INO-4800 lies in its ability to be stable at room temperature for over 1 year and at 37°C for 1 week, alleviating the cold chain requirements in transportation. Together with the anti-Delta variant activity, INO-4800 could be the primary and booster dose and able to reach every corner of the world, conducting vaccination in tougher conditions.

Mixing of Pfizer and AZ Vaccines

As for other such studies, the mixing of AstraZeneca vaccine (ChAdOx1-S, Vaxzevria) and Pfizer vaccine (BNT162b2, Comirnaty) are proven to increase neutralizing antibodies substantially compared to taking 2 doses of ChAdOx1-S. And patients only showed mild to moderate levels of adverse events, which is a positive safety profile.

Author

Tyler Chen

"Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died."- Erma Bombeck