On May 5, 2020, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), members of Mass General Brigham, announced progress towards the testing and development of an experimental vaccine called AAVCOVID, a novel gene-based vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

The AAVCOVID Vaccine Program is a unique, gene-based vaccine strategy that uses adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector, a clinically established gene transfer technology leveraging the properties of a harmless viral carrier. AAV is used to deliver genetic sequences of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike antigen so the body can develop an immune response to the coronavirus. AAV technology has been used extensively in the field of gene therapy, and substantial experience and capacity exists for manufacturing and clinical use of AAV-based medicines. Two AAV-based drugs have been approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration in recent years.

The AAVCOVID vaccine candidate will be administered by an intramuscular injection. Currently, tests are underway in animal models, and initial manufacturing activities have begun. Based on the preclinical findings, one or more candidates will advance into the clinical phase of testing in humans.

While several types of COVID-19 vaccines are in development worldwide, AAV technology offers several distinct advantages, including its adaptability and potential to elicit a beneficial immune response in people. In addition, other versions of AAV technology have been tested in the clinic for more than two decades with a favorable safety record. The AAVCOVID Vaccine Program is a gene-based vaccine strategy that seeks to deliver genetic sequences of the SARS-CoV-2 using an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector, a harmless virus that serves as a delivery vehicle into the body.

Vaccination with AAVCOVID delivers the gene code for antigens from the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein following a low dose intramuscular injection, which is designed to elicit an immune response to prevent infection. This approach is supported by extensive experience with the safety of the AAV technology platform in other diseases, including the use of AAVs in two FDA-approved medicines, and preclinical studies on immunogenicity.