Sanofi–GSK COVID-19 vaccine

Sanofi–GSK COVID-19 vaccine is a COVID-19 vaccine candidate developed by Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). The vaccine candidate is based on the recombinant protein-based technology used by Sanofi to produce a flu vaccine, and GSK's established adjuvant technology.

Development

The development of the Sanofi–GSK COVID-19 vaccine began in 2020, in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccine candidate uses a recombinant protein-based technology from Sanofi's previous flu vaccines, combined with GSK's pandemic adjuvant technology. The use of an adjuvant can be of particular importance in a pandemic situation since it may reduce the amount of vaccine protein required per dose, allowing more vaccine doses to be produced and therefore contributing to protect more people.

Clinical trials

The Sanofi–GSK COVID-19 vaccine has undergone several phases of clinical trials. The initial Phase 1/2 trial began in September 2020, with results indicating an immune response comparable to patients who recovered from COVID-19 in adults aged 18 to 49 years, but a low immune response in older adults. This led to a delay in the vaccine's development, with a Phase 2b trial initiated in February 2021 to investigate a refined formulation of the vaccine. Results from this trial are expected in Q2 2021.

Efficacy

The efficacy of the Sanofi–GSK COVID-19 vaccine is still under investigation. The results from the Phase 2b trial, expected in Q2 2021, will provide more information on the vaccine's efficacy against COVID-19.

Distribution

Pending the results of the Phase 2b trial and subsequent Phase 3 trial, Sanofi and GSK plan to request regulatory approval for the vaccine in the second half of 2021. If approved, the companies aim to produce up to 1 billion doses of the vaccine annually.

See also

• COVID-19 vaccine
• COVID-19 pandemic
• Sanofi
• GlaxoSmithKline