Scion is contributing to the fight against SARS-CoV-2 by helping develop and manufacture an experimental COVID19 vaccine.
CVC (COVID-19 Vaccine Corporation Ltd.), formed by New Zealand experts in vaccine development and biotechnology, is working on a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.
CVC has designed vaccine antigens that create cell-mediated immune responses specifically to SARS-CoV-2. It is one of the few vaccines of this type being developed in the world today. CVC’s vaccine is designed to be insensitive to viral mutations/variants and to provide protection to the global population, including Māori. CVC’s vaccine would be given in addition or in conjunction with the COVID19 vaccines currently being administered to provide broader protection against current and future variants.
Scion’s biotechnology group has worked with CVC’s scientists to fast-track the manufacture of two vaccine prototypes that CVC has taken into pre-clinical testing. Scion’s expertise, resources and ability to work flexibly in the face of a global health challenge, have been essential to facilitating the CVC vaccine project.
This alternative to fighting COVID19 may give the world a further option to protect people’s health and well-being, and the global economy.
“It has only been through the excellence of Scion’s response to CVC’s need for quick and comprehensive support that we have been able to make and test a vaccine with potential to help in the global fight against COVID19. We could not have done it without you.” - Dr Andy Herbert PhD, CSO/COO, CVC
Funders: COVID-19 Vaccine Corporation Ltd (who received funding from Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment and Callaghan Innovation)
Collaborators: COVID-19 Vaccine Corporation Ltd; Callaghan Innovation; University of Auckland
