GeoVax Labs, Inc. showcased the effectiveness of its multi-antigen COVID-19 vaccine candidates, GEO-CM04S1 and GEO-CM02, at the Keystone Symposia, revealing their capability to induce durable, cross-reactive immunity against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron XBB.1.5. The presentations emphasized the vaccines' ability to provide protection through T-cell responses, even in the absence of detectable neutralizing antibodies against some variants, suggesting a significant advancement in addressing variant evasion and enhancing public health resilience.
Key findings from the studies include GEO-CM02's single-dose protection against the original Wuhan strain and Omicron BA.1 variant in hACE2 mouse models, and GEO-CM04S1's full protection against clinical disease and lung injury in models challenged with the original B.1 strain or Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant. These results underscore the vaccines' potential to limit the need for continual updates and yearly booster doses, offering a promising solution for vulnerable populations and the broader public.
Mark Newman, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer of GeoVax, highlighted the importance of inducing broadly specific immune responses to protect against evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants. The company's MVA vaccine platform, with GEO-CM04S1 currently in multiple Phase 2 clinical trials, represents a critical step forward in pandemic preparedness and the global fight against COVID-19.
