KING OF PRUSSIA, PA — Biotechnology giants CSL and Arcturus Therapeutics have announced promising results from a comprehensive study of their novel COVID-19 vaccine, ARCT-154. The findings, published in Nature Communications, evaluate the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of the world’s first approved self-amplifying mRNA (sa-mRNA) COVID-19 vaccine.
The study follows Japan’s approval of the ARCT-154 vaccine for adults. Data show that two 5 microgram doses of ARCT-154 are well-tolerated and highly effective. The vaccine demonstrated superior immunogenicity against the Omicron BA.4/5 variant compared to conventional mRNA boosters. Additionally, it provided longer-lasting immunity than traditional mRNA vaccine boosters.
The efficacy of ARCT-154 is notable. It achieved 100 percent protection against severe COVID-19 in healthy adults aged 18-59. For individuals at higher risk due to age or comorbidities, the efficacy remained above 90 percent.
“The results published in Nature Communications demonstrate the efficacy and tolerability of ARCT-154,” said Jon Edelman, M.D., Senior Vice President of CSL’s Vaccines Innovation Unit. “These findings reinforce our promise to protect public health.”
Pad Chivukula, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Arcturus Therapeutics, echoed the sentiment. “We are thrilled that the results of the ARCT-154 study have been published in the highly respected journal Nature Communications. These data and the approval in Japan highlight the strength of our commitment to delivering innovative technology that protects the public from COVID-19.”
The study’s publication adds to a growing body of evidence supporting sa-mRNA vaccines. As the world continues to battle COVID-19, the introduction of effective new vaccines like ARCT-154 marks a significant step forward in global health efforts.
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