Cellid and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) have signed a research service contract to collaborate in the clinical development of the Covid-19 vaccine, AdCLD-CoV19.

Developed by Cellid, AdCLD-CoV19 derives from an adenovirus vector.

Under the deal, IVI will evaluate samples from Phase I / IIa clinical trials of AdCLD-CoV19 to check whether it can induce the right protective, or immune, responses.

In December, the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety had granted approval to Phase I / IIa clinical trial plan (IND).

On obtaining approval, Cellid then entered into a contract with Korea University Guro Hospital and is currently carrying out clinical trials with the hospital.

Cellid CEO Kang Chang-yul said: “Through cooperation in clinical development with IVI, which has extensive experience in collaboration with both domestic and international institutions in clinical trials and related activities, we redouble our efforts to confirm the safety and immunogenicity of AdCLD-CoV19 and to help ensure vaccine sovereignty based on reliable results.

“In collaboration with IVI and other partners, we will expedite clinical trials with the aim of commercialising a Covid-19 vaccine as early as this summer.”

According to a challenge trial in a monkey infection model with Cellid’s vaccine, researchers identified no SARS-CoV-2 virus in the upper respiratory and lung tissue two and three days after a single vaccine dose.

This shows that the vaccine can provide protective efficacy against the virus.

IVI director-general Dr Jerome Kim said: “IVI is pleased to partner with Cellid, a biotech specialising in development of cell-based immunotherapeutic vaccines.

“We will make the most of our experience and expertise in laboratory analysis and clinical evaluation of vaccines to support and accelerate the development of their Covid-19 vaccine.”