A new ‘universal’ Sarbeco coronavirus vaccine, pEVAC-PS, has proven safe and well-tolerated in its first human trial, marking a major milestone for AI-designed medicine.
Developed by the University of Cambridge and spin-off DIOSynVax, the vaccine uses a computer-generated ‘super-antigen’ to trigger broad immunity against multiple coronaviruses-including SARS-CoV-2, SARS, and related bat viruses that could jump to humans.
The Phase I trial, conducted at UK National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) facilities in Southampton and Cambridge, enrolled 39 healthy volunteers between December 2021 and September 2023. No significant side effects were reported across four dose levels.
This is the first time a vaccine whose active component was designed entirely by computer simulations has been tested in humans.
Chief investigator Saul Faust said this new class of universal vaccines is 'future-proofed,' potentially protecting against variants and emerging viruses before outbreaks occur.
The vaccine is delivered via a microfluidic jet, offering a needle-free option. A larger Phase II trial is planned to assess immune responses in a broader population.