University of Cambridge researchers have announced a breakthrough: a vaccine whose active component was designed entirely by artificial intelligence. This marks the first time a computer-simulated vaccine has been tested in humans.
According to a press release, the new vaccine targets Sarbeco coronaviruses-a group that includes SARS-CoV-2 and other bat-borne viruses with pandemic potential. Early clinical trials, involving 39 healthy volunteers aged 18 to 50, showed that the vaccine triggered immune responses not only to COVID-19 and SARS, but also to related bat viruses.
Chief investigator Professor Saul Faust of the University of Southampton explained that current vaccines struggle to keep pace with rapidly evolving viruses. This new class of universal vaccines, he said, is "future-proofed," offering protection against multiple variants and even viruses not yet emerged.
The vaccine uses a needle-free delivery method, administered as a DNA vaccine via a micro fluid jet. Researchers say this could make mass vaccination faster and more accessible. A larger Phase two trial is planned to confirm these results in a broader population.