VIDO has developed a vaccine called COVAC-1. The study vaccine contains a portion of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, called S1. The spike protein is the part of the virus that is responsible for attaching to the surface of host cells. COVAC-1 contains an adjuvant called TriAdj. An adjuvant is a compound that is added to a vaccine to help the vaccine produce a better immune response. The TriAdj adjuvant is made up of three components (a toll-like receptor agonist polyI:C, an immunostimulatory host defense protein HDP IDR-1002 and a polyphosphazene carrier system, PCEP). The three components work together to improve the body's response to the S1 protein. The COVAC-1 vaccine is expected to stimulate the body to make antibodies against the S1 protein. The antibodies will recognize the viral spike protein if the body is exposed to the virus and prevent or reduce the severity of COVID-19 illness. In animal studies, the immune response generated by the COVAC-1 vaccine was able to protect the vaccinated animals against a severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Phase 1 is a multi-centred, multi-national trial of the COVAC-1 vaccine to be completed in Canada and Brazil. It will be a randomized, observer-blinded, and placebo-controlled study to assess the safety and immunogenicity of two dosing levels (25 and 50 µg S1 protein) administered twice (4 weeks apart) in healthy adults 18 through 54 years of age (Arm 1a) and 55 years of age and older (Arm 1b). Enrolment and vaccination of participants will be staggered over time based on vaccine dose. Study participants aged 18 to 54 and those \>55 years of age will commence in parallel at the starting dose of 25 ug and after approval by Sponsor based upon recommendations from the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), new study participants will be allowed to receive the higher dose of 50 ug. Approval will also be sought from Sponsor, based on recommendations provided by the DSMB, to proceed with the second dose in each dosing and age group. Within the same age group, the 8 participants receiving the lower dose are randomized with 4 participants receiving placebo and the 8 participants receiving the highest dose are randomized with 4 participants receiving placebo. Within each dose level of 12 participants, it is proposed to immunize a first cohort of 3 participants (including at least 2 active vaccine participants) and pending no holding rule is met after 48 hours, as determined by the 48-hour-post-dose 1 phone call, to immunize the remaining 9 participants within that dose level. Every attempt will be made to fully enroll all age groups.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Intramuscular vaccine against SARS-CoV-2
Intramuscular injection of saline placebo
Occurrence of adverse events (AEs) from the first injection to Day 28, in all participants, in all groups
The occurrence of each solicited local and general AE, during each 7-day follow-up period after injection (e.g., the day of injection and 6 subsequent days). * The occurrence of any unsolicited AEs for the entire study period. * The occurrence of any hematological (hemoglobin level, WBC, lymphocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil, and platelet count) and biochemical (ALT, AST, BUN, and Cr) clinically significant laboratory abnormality through to Day 28 and; * The occurrence of any serious AEs (SAEs) medically attended events (MAE), or adverse event of special interest (AESI).
Time frame: Day 0 - 28
Occurrence of AEs from the second injection to Day 56 (28 days post injection), in all participants, in all groups
* The occurrence of solicited local and general AE, during each 7-day follow-up period after the second injection (e.g., the day of 2nd injection and 6 subsequent days); * The occurrence of any unsolicited AEs for the entire study period and; * The occurrence of any hematological (hemoglobin level, WBC, lymphocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil, and platelet count) and biochemical (ALT, AST, BUN, and Cr) clinically significant laboratory abnormality through to Day 42.
Time frame: Day 28 - 56
Specific antibody response induced by the vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 S protein as measured by ELISA or measured by Neutralization Assay
The immune response to the study vaccine, as measured by antibody (e.g., IgG and other isotypes) directed to Wuhan spike antigen or neutralizing antibodies
Time frame: Days 14, 28, 35, 42, 56, 90, 120, and 365
Specific cell-mediated immunity (CMI) response induced by the vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 virus
The immune response to the study vaccine, as measured by cell immune response markers in PBMCs
Time frame: Days 0, 14, 28, 35, 42, 120, and 365
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