Italy may add another string to EU’s vaccine bow as new jab shows strong results
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Italy’s homemade Covid-19 vaccine has shown a strong immune response in its mid-stage trials, according to biotech firm ReiThera, which could potentially add another string to Europe’s vaccination bow.
ReiThera said its vaccine candidate, called GRAd-COV2, showed no major side effects in intermediate phase two clinical trials – and that it is in talks with the European Union to widen its jab offering.
Successful in over 93 per cent of volunteers three weeks after the first dose, the vaccine reaches 99 per cent efficacy after the second jab.
The biotech firm said that another €60m to fund its final phase three trials was needed, as Italy’s audit court rejected a plan to invest public funds into the company producing its vaccine in May.
Two independent advisory boards had recommended advancing GRAd-COV2 into Phase III studies, but did not give an update on funding, ReiThera said.
“Our vaccine candidate confirmed its excellent safety and good immunogenicity profile in a large cohort,” ReiThera medical director Roberto Camerini said.
The Phase II study was tested across 917 volunteers over the age of 18. Where 25 per cent were over the age of 65 and had conditions associated with an increased risk of severe disease in case of a Covid-19 infection.