NAV

Plant-based virus-like particles, recombinant, adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine

Identification

Summary

Plant-based virus-like particles, recombinant, adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine is a vaccine comprising purified SARS-CoV-2 spike protein expressed in plant-based virus-like particles for the prevention of COVID-19 in adult patients.

Generic Name
Plant-based virus-like particles, recombinant, adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine
DrugBank Accession Number
DB16757
Background

The Covifenz COVID-19 vaccine (plant-based virus-like particles (VLP), recombinant, adjuvanted) is a plant-based vaccine developed in partnership by Medicago and GlaxoSmithKline which is approved in Canada for the prevention of COVID-19.4 It is composed of VLPs expressing SARS-CoV-2 spike protein trimers (stabilized in a pre-fusion conformation) and is mixed with the AS03 adjuvant system prior to administration.4

While the concept of plant-based VLPs as vaccines is not new,2 it is a novel approach to COVID-19 vaccination, with previously approved COVID-19 vaccines mostly comprising viral vector (e.g. the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine) and nucleic acid vaccines (e.g. the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine).1 Plant-based VLPs offer a number of advantages as compared to other vaccine platforms, including speed and ease of manufacturing and increased immunogenicity.2 In addition, VLPs contain no viral material and are therefore inherently non-infectious, making them potentially safer alternatives to traditional vaccines.2

Type
Biotech
Groups
Approved
Biologic Classification
Vaccines
Other vaccines / Recombinant
Synonyms
  • Covifenz
  • Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike (S)-protein virus-like particle
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Pharmacology

Indication

The Covifenz COVID-19 vaccine is indicated for active immunization to prevent COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 in patients 18 years of age and older.5

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Associated Conditions
Indication TypeIndicationCombined Product DetailsApproval LevelAge GroupPatient CharacteristicsDose Form
Prevention ofCoronavirus disease 2019 (covid‑19)•••••••••••••••••••••• ••••••••
Contraindications & Blackbox Warnings
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Pharmacodynamics

Covifenz is administered as a two-dose regimen given intramuscularly 21 days apart.4

Mechanism of action

Covifenz is a recombinant and adjuvanted vaccine produced by plant-based technology. The antigenic portion of the vaccine is produced by delivering the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein genomic sequence into host leaf cells of non-transgenic plants utilizing a bacterial vector.4 The newly transgenic plant then serves as a bioreactor for producing virus-like particles (VLPs), which are self-assembled structures that resemble viruses but are absent viral genetic material and therefore non-infectious.2 The enveloped VLPs present spike protein trimers stabilized in a pre-fusion conformation on their surface which, following intramuscular administration, elicit both neutralizing antibody and cellular immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins.4

Covifenz also contains an adjuvant, AS03, which is mixed with the antigenic component prior to administration to enhance the immune response to the vaccine.3

Absorption

Not Available

Volume of distribution

Not Available

Protein binding

Not Available

Metabolism
Not Available
Route of elimination

Not Available

Half-life

Not Available

Clearance

Not Available

Adverse Effects
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Toxicity

Not Available

Pathways
Not Available
Pharmacogenomic Effects/ADRs
Not Available

Interactions

Drug Interactions
This information should not be interpreted without the help of a healthcare provider. If you believe you are experiencing an interaction, contact a healthcare provider immediately. The absence of an interaction does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.
Not Available
Food Interactions
No interactions found.

Products

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International/Other Brands
Covifenz (Medicago, Inc.)

Categories

Drug Categories
Classification
Not classified
Affected organisms
Not Available

Chemical Identifiers

UNII
Not Available
CAS number
Not Available

References

General References
  1. Simoes RSQ, Rodriguez-Lazaro D: Classical and Next-Generation Vaccine Platforms to SARS-CoV-2: Biotechnological Strategies and Genomic Variants. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Feb 18;19(4). pii: ijerph19042392. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19042392. [Article]
  2. Chen Q, Lai H: Plant-derived virus-like particles as vaccines. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2013 Jan;9(1):26-49. doi: 10.4161/hv.22218. Epub 2012 Sep 20. [Article]
  3. Garcon N, Vaughn DW, Didierlaurent AM: Development and evaluation of AS03, an Adjuvant System containing alpha-tocopherol and squalene in an oil-in-water emulsion. Expert Rev Vaccines. 2012 Mar;11(3):349-66. doi: 10.1586/erv.11.192. [Article]
  4. Health Canada Product Monograph: Covifenz (plant-based virus-like particles, recombinant, adjuvanted) emulsion for intramuscular injection (February 2022) [Link]
  5. Health Canada Approved Drug Products: COVIFENZ COVID-19 Vaccine (plant-based virus-like particles [VLP], recombinant, adjuvanted) Intramuscular Injection (March 2023) [Link]
Not Available

Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials
PhaseStatusPurposeConditionsCount
2Active Not RecruitingPreventionCoronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‑19)1

Pharmacoeconomics

Manufacturers
Not Available
Packagers
Not Available
Dosage Forms
Not Available
Prices
Not Available
Patents
Not Available

Properties

State
Liquid
Experimental Properties
Not Available

Drug created at February 24, 2022 20:38 / Updated at August 19, 2023 10:38