Plant-based virus-like particles, recombinant, adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine
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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
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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Indication Type Indication Combined Product Details Approval Level Age Group Patient Characteristics Dose Form Prevention of Coronavirus 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
- Improve decision support & research outcomesWith structured adverse effects data, including: blackbox warnings, adverse reactions, warning & precautions, & incidence rates. View sample adverse effects data in our new Data Library!Improve decision support & research outcomes with our structured adverse effects data.
- 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
- Drug product information from 10+ global regionsOur datasets provide approved product information including:dosage, form, labeller, route of administration, and marketing period.Access drug product information from over 10 global regions.
- 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
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- Health Canada Product Monograph: Covifenz (plant-based virus-like particles, recombinant, adjuvanted) emulsion for intramuscular injection (February 2022) [Link]
- Health Canada Approved Drug Products: COVIFENZ COVID-19 Vaccine (plant-based virus-like particles [VLP], recombinant, adjuvanted) Intramuscular Injection (March 2023) [Link]
- External Links
- Not Available
Clinical Trials
- Clinical Trials
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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