Sanofi–GSK COVID-19 vaccine

Sanofi–GSK COVID-19 vaccine is a COVID-19 vaccine candidate developed by Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). The vaccine candidate is based on the recombinant protein-based technology used by Sanofi to produce a flu vaccine, and GSK's established adjuvant technology.

Development[edit | edit source]

The development of the Sanofi–GSK COVID-19 vaccine began in 2020, in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccine candidate uses a recombinant protein-based technology from Sanofi's previous flu vaccines, combined with GSK's pandemic adjuvant technology. The use of an adjuvant can be of particular importance in a pandemic situation since it may reduce the amount of vaccine protein required per dose, allowing more vaccine doses to be produced and therefore contributing to protect more people.

Clinical trials[edit | edit source]

The Sanofi–GSK COVID-19 vaccine has undergone several phases of clinical trials. The initial Phase 1/2 trial began in September 2020, with results indicating an immune response comparable to patients who recovered from COVID-19 in adults aged 18 to 49 years, but a low immune response in older adults. This led to a delay in the vaccine's development, with a Phase 2b trial initiated in February 2021 to investigate a refined formulation of the vaccine. Results from this trial are expected in Q2 2021.

Efficacy[edit | edit source]

The efficacy of the Sanofi–GSK COVID-19 vaccine is still under investigation. The results from the Phase 2b trial, expected in Q2 2021, will provide more information on the vaccine's efficacy against COVID-19.

Distribution[edit | edit source]

Pending the results of the Phase 2b trial and subsequent Phase 3 trial, Sanofi and GSK plan to request regulatory approval for the vaccine in the second half of 2021. If approved, the companies aim to produce up to 1 billion doses of the vaccine annually.