GX-19

GX-19 is a DNA vaccine candidate for the prevention of COVID-19. It is developed by Genexine, a South Korean biotechnology company. The vaccine candidate is currently in the clinical trial phase.

Overview

GX-19 is a DNA-based vaccine that uses a plasmid, a small, circular piece of DNA, to deliver a piece of the SARS-CoV-2 virus's genetic code into cells. This genetic code is for the virus's spike protein, which it uses to enter human cells. Once inside the cells, the genetic code instructs them to produce the spike protein. This, in turn, triggers an immune response, which includes the production of antibodies that can recognize and neutralize the spike protein if the person is later exposed to the actual virus.

Development and Clinical Trials

The development of GX-19 began in early 2020, shortly after the genetic sequence of SARS-CoV-2 was made publicly available. Genexine used its proprietary HyFc platform to design the vaccine.

The first phase of clinical trials for GX-19 began in June 2020. This phase involved testing the vaccine on a small group of healthy volunteers to assess its safety and to determine the appropriate dosage. The results of this phase were promising, with no serious adverse events reported and participants developing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.

The second phase of clinical trials began in December 2020. This phase is larger and involves testing the vaccine on a more diverse group of participants to further assess its safety and efficacy.

Potential Advantages

One potential advantage of GX-19 is that, as a DNA vaccine, it does not require the same cold storage conditions as some other types of COVID-19 vaccines. This could make it easier to distribute, particularly in regions with limited cold storage infrastructure.

Another potential advantage is that DNA vaccines can be designed and produced relatively quickly, which could be beneficial in responding to new variants of SARS-CoV-2.

See Also

• COVID-19 vaccine
• DNA vaccine
• SARS-CoV-2
• Genexine