Overview

• Latest phase 1 trial showed cell-bound envelope trimer mRNA vaccine induced broadly neutralizing antibodies in about 80% of participants.
• Free-floating trimer constructs yielded only about 4% neutralizing response, underscoring the superior immunogenicity of membrane-bound designs.
• Approximately 6–7% of volunteers experienced persistent urticaria, a side effect not seen in other mRNA vaccine studies.
• Research teams from Scripps Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Centre and University of Queensland are probing allergic mechanisms and antigen tweaks to eliminate the hives reaction.
• Plans are underway to integrate sequential immunogen release into a single injection and to launch larger efficacy and safety trials.