COVID-19 Vaccine Trial Begins at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach

⁤ updated oct. 21, 2020
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Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach, Calif., has launched a⁣ phase 1 clinical trial for a COVID-19 vaccine developed by NantKwest Inc. and‍ ImmunityBio. Chen Cao, a UCI graduate, was the first of 35 participants to receive the initial vaccination.

This COVID-19 vaccine candidate distinguishes itself by targeting both the coronavirus’ signature spike protein and structures within the virus’ cytoplasm,‍ known ⁤as nucleocapsids. ⁤According to the World health Organization (WHO), most COVID-19 vaccine efforts focus on the spike protein. The dual approach aims to stimulate T-cell responses, potentially leading to longer-lasting immunity.

Dr. Philip Robinson, Hoag’s medical director ⁣of infection prevention and the ‍trial’s principal investigator,⁣ emphasized ⁢the vaccine’s innovative approach. “This vaccine is novel⁢ because it stimulates the second arm of the immune system, the ⁢cell-mediated immunity, the T-cell response,” Robinson said.

The company has stated that T-cell responses could provide ⁢more durable immunity compared ‍to antibody responses activated by the spike protein ⁤alone. This dual-edged approach could also prove beneficial against mutations in the spike⁣ proteins,which might reduce the effectiveness of vaccines targeting only that area.

Another advantage of this COVID-19 vaccine is its storage requirements.Unlike some candidates⁢ needing frigid temperatures, this vaccine requires only standard ⁤refrigeration and can remain viable at room ⁤temperature for an extended period, according to robinson.Future delivery methods might include oral or nasal governance.

Deborah Fridman,Hoag’s director of clinical⁤ research,said the phase 1 trial primarily aims to confirm the vaccine’s ⁣safety and ‍ability to induce immunity. If successful, phases 2 and 3 are planned for next year, involving⁢ hundreds and‍ then thousands of participants.

Hoag Hospital has been actively involved in‍ COVID-19 research, participating in ⁢more than 20 clinical trials since the beginning of the pandemic. This trial marks its first venture into COVID-19 vaccine research.

What’s next

Chen ⁢Cao, the first participant, will monitor and⁤ report any side effects to Hoag. Those interested in participating in⁤ future trials can contact clincialresearch@hoag.org.