On Nov. 30, 2021, Inovio Pharma announced the company was rapidly moving to evaluate its COVID-19 DNA vaccine candidates INO-4800 and INO-4802 against the emerging B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant of concern. Concurrently, INOVIO has initiated pre-clinical development of an Omicron-specific DNA vaccine candidate.

The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 was the latest variant to emerge, following previous variants of concern (VOCs), Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta. Notably, INO-4800 had maintained T cell responses against these previously identified VOCs as well as the ability to generate binding and neutralizing antibodies against them. Generally, T cell immune responses were less likely to be evaded by multiple mutations, and the ability to generate a strong T cell response is likely to play a crucial role in reducing mortality and the severity of symptoms in those infected.