Listed firm launches bid to develop ‘potent’ Covid-19 vaccine in Nottingham

The two Nottingham universities are set to work with a listed pharma firm to develop a “potent and long-lasting” vaccine against the Covid-19 virus.

Scancell, based in Oxford, is a developer of immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer. This morning (24 April) is announced that it will work on a programme with Professor Lindy Durrant, chief scientific officer and professor of cancer immunotherapy at the University of Nottingham, in collaboration with scientists in the newly-established Centre for Research on Global Virus Infections and the new Biodiscovery Institute at the University of Nottingham, and Nottingham Trent University.

Initial research is underway and Scancell anticipates starting a Phase 1 clinical trial in Q1 2021, subject to funding. The company is actively seeking development partners and additional funding (including non-dilutive funding from governments and global institutions) to support the rapid development of the vaccine.

Professor Durrant said: “As the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded, Scancell has been evaluating how it can best contribute its expertise and resources to help in the global response. Vaccines are the long-term solution and we believe our combined high avidity T cell and neutralising antibody approach has the potential to produce a second-generation vaccine that will generate an effective and durable immune response to COVID-19.”

Professor Jonathan Ball, director of the centre for research on global virus infections at the University of Nottingham added: “Focusing the antibody responses on the receptor binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus should ensure the generation of high-titre antibodies that prevent infection. Delivering these virus targets using Scancell’s DNA vaccine platform, which has already been shown to be safe and effective in cancer patients, should enable rapid translation into the clinic for prevention of COVID-19.”

Professor Nigel Wright, deputy vice-chancellor, research and innovation, at Nottingham Trent University, said: “Nottingham Trent University and the John van Geest Cancer Research Centre are delighted to support Scancell’s endeavours to develop an effective vaccine for COVID-19. These are clearly challenging times and significant progress in the development of new approaches for protecting against this virus will only be possible by collaborations such as these.”