On Dec. 16, 2020, Heat Biologics announced it had completed its gp96-based COVID-19 vaccine cell line, which is being developed for use as either a standalone vaccine, or in combination with other vaccines to enhance prophylactic protection.

Data, generated at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, confirmed expression of gp96, OX40L and Spike protein. The Company also reported it had begun preparations for manufacturing, as the next-step towards first-in-human Phase 1 clinical trials.