UK-based Scancell has selected PharmaJet’s needle-free injection technology to administer its two SARS-CoV-2 DNA-based vaccine candidates SCOV1 and SCOV2.
PharmaJet Tropis and PharmaJet Stratis needle-free injection systems will be exclusively used to administer the vaccine candidates.
In the preclinical studies, delivery of the COVIDITY vaccines using PharmaJet has shown to induce potent immune responses against both S and N antigens.
The South African regulatory authority has approved the biopharmaceutical company’s COVIDITY-001 study, which includes the use of two PharmaJet systems.
COVIDITY-001 study is part of Scancell’s collaboration with the Centre for Research on Global Virus Infections and the new Biodiscovery Institute at the University of Nottingham, and Nottingham Trent University.
Scancell chief executive officer professor Lindy Durrant said: “Our preclinical studies have shown that delivery of SCOV1 and SCOV2 with the PharmaJet Needle-free injection Systems generates excellent T cell and antibody responses.
“In addition, they are easy-to-use and ideal for people who are needle-phobic, an important cause of vaccine hesitancy. We look forward to progressing our COVIDITY-001 study in South Africa and updating the market in due course.”
The company is developing a portfolio of immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer based on its patented ImmunoBody, Moditope and AvidiMab platforms.
Last month, MHRA has approved Scancell’s clinical trial application for the Phase 1/2 study of Modi-1, a therapeutic vaccine candidate from its Moditope platform.
PharmaJet needle-free systems are said to provide increased vaccine effectiveness.
Its Stratis System has received US FDA 510(k) approval, CE Mark approval, and WHO PQS certification to deliver medications and vaccines.
Also, the Tropis System was granted CE Mark and WHO PQS certification for intradermal injections.
PharmaJet president and CEO Chris Cappello said: “We are pleased to be collaborating with Scancell as they start their clinical trials with this innovative vaccine approach.
“Our Needle-free Systems have shown improved immune response for multiple DNA and RNA vaccines and are used globally to deliver vaccines for diseases such as influenza, Covid-19, measles and polio.”
Last month, Zydus Cadila has received the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) authorisation for Plasmid DNA-based Covid-19 vaccine ZyCoV-D, administered using PharmaJet needle-free injection system.
