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A Clinical Trial of COVAC-2 in Healthy Adults

Primary Purpose

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2

Status
Completed
Phase
Phase 1
Locations
Canada
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
COVAC-2
Saline Placebo
Sponsored by
University of Saskatchewan
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional prevention trial for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2

Eligibility Criteria

18 Years - undefined (Adult, Older Adult)All SexesAccepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

To be eligible for the study, each participant must satisfy all of the following criteria:

  1. Male and female healthy adults ages 18 years of age or older;
  2. Good general health as determined by screening evaluation no greater than 30 days before immunization;
  3. If female of child-bearing potential and heterosexually active, practice of adequate contraception for 30 days prior to injection, negative pregnancy test on the day of injection, and agreement to continue adequate contraception until 180 days after the second injection and;
  4. Written informed consent, after review of the consent form and having adequate opportunity to discuss the study with an investigator or a qualified designee.

Exclusion Criteria:

Participant with any of the following criteria will be excluded:

  1. Presence of any febrile illness or any known or suspected acute illness on the day of any immunization;
  2. Any physical findings suggestive of acute or chronic illness;
  3. Any immunodeficiency (congenital or acquired);
  4. Receiving systemic immunosuppressive therapy or history of receiving chemotherapy in last 5 years other than topical agents;
  5. Receipt of systemic glucocorticoids (a dose ≥ 20 mg/day prednisone or equivalent for 14 days) within 1 month, or any other cytotoxic or immunosuppressive drug within 6 months;
  6. Cancer diagnosis in the last 5 years, excluding basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, which are allowed;
  7. Presence of autoimmune disease;
  8. Receipt of any investigational drug within 6 months;
  9. Receipt of any non-COVID-19 authorized vaccines within 2 weeks of study immunization;
  10. Receipt of any authorized COVID-19 vaccine prior to study enrollment;
  11. Receipt of any other experimental SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 or other experimental coronavirus vaccine(s) at any time prior to or during the study;
  12. Receipt of blood products or immunoglobulin (IVIg or IMIg) within 3 months of study entry/baseline serologic evaluation;
  13. Current anti-tuberculosis therapy;
  14. History of any reaction or hypersensitivity likely to be exacerbated by any component of the study vaccine;
  15. Hematologic or biochemical laboratory abnormalities (blood or urine), as defined by lab normal ranges. To exclude transient abnormalities, the investigator may repeat a test once, and if the repeat test is normal according to local reference ranges, participant may be enrolled. Grade 1 abnormalities of laboratory values will not be exclusionary if considered not clinically significant by the investigator and;
  16. Known current or previous laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-1 OR SARS-CoV-2 infection, as documented by a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test from a nasal swab OR known or laboratory-confirmed positive serology.

Sites / Locations

  • Canadian Center for Vaccinology, Dalhousie University
  • Royal University Hospital

Arms of the Study

Arm 1

Arm 2

Arm 3

Arm 4

Arm 5

Arm 6

Arm 7

Arm 8

Arm 9

Arm 10

Arm Type

Experimental

Placebo Comparator

Experimental

Placebo Comparator

Experimental

Placebo Comparator

Experimental

Placebo Comparator

Experimental

Placebo Comparator

Arm Label

Group A-2

Group B-2

Group C-2

Group D-2

Group E-2

Group F-2

Group G-2

Group H-2

Group I-2

Group J-2

Arm Description

COVAC-2 25 µg: 8 healthy adults 18 to 54 years of age receive the vaccine on Day 0, followed by a second dose on Day 28.

Placebo Control: 4 healthy adults 18 to 54 years of age receive a dose of normal saline (placebo) on Day 0, followed by a dose of normal saline (placebo) on Day 28.

COVAC-2 50 µg: 8 healthy adults 18 to 54 years of age receive the vaccine on Day 0, followed by a second dose on Day 28.

Placebo Control: 4 healthy adults 18 to 54 years of age receive a dose of normal saline (placebo) on Day 0, followed by a dose of saline placebo on Day 28.

COVAC-2 100 µg: 8 healthy adults 18 to 54 years of age receive the vaccine on Day 0, followed by a second dose on Day 28.

Placebo Control: 4 healthy adults 18 to 54 years of age receive a dose of normal saline (placebo) on Day 0, followed by a dose of saline placebo on Day 28.

COVAC-2 25 µg: 8 or 9 healthy adults ≥ 55 years of age receive the vaccine on Day 0, followed by a second dose on Day 28.

Placebo Control: 4 or 5 healthy adults ≥ 55 years of age receive a dose of normal saline (placebo) on Day 0, followed by a dose of normal saline (placebo) on Day 28.

COVAC-2 50 µg: 8 healthy adults ≥ 55 years of age receive the vaccine on Day 0, followed by a second dose on Day 28.

Placebo Control: 4 healthy adults ≥ 55 years of age receive a dose of normal saline (placebo) on Day 0, followed by a dose of saline placebo on Day 28.

Outcomes

Primary Outcome Measures

Occurrence of adverse events (AEs) from the first injection to Day 28, in all participants, in all groups
The occurrence of each solicited local and general AE, during each 7-day follow-up period after injection (e.g. the day of injection and 6 subsequent days); The occurrence of any unsolicited AEs for the entire study period; The occurrence of any hematological (hemoglobin level, WBC, lymphocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil, and platelet count) and biochemical (ALT, AST, BUN, and Cr) clinically significant laboratory abnormality through to Day 28 and; The occurrence of any serious AEs (SAEs), medically attended events (MAE), or adverse event of special interest (AESI).
Occurrence of AEs from the second injection to Day 56 (28 days post injection), in all participants, in all groups
The occurrence of solicited local and general AE, during each 7-day follow-up period after the second injection (e.g. the day of 2nd injection and 6 subsequent days); The occurrence of any unsolicited AEs for the entire study period

Secondary Outcome Measures

Specific antibody response induced by the vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 S protein as measured by ELISA
The immune response to the study vaccine, as measured by antibody (e.g. IgG and other isotypes) directed to Wuhan spike antigen or neutralizing antibodies pre-injection (Day 0) and post-injection(s)
Specific cell-mediated immunity (CMI) response induced by the vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 virus
o The immune response to the study vaccine, as measured by cell immune response markers in PBMCs collected pre-injection (Day 0) and post-injection(s)

Full Information

First Posted
January 6, 2021
Last Updated
May 18, 2023
Sponsor
University of Saskatchewan
Collaborators
Government of Canada, Government of Saskatchewan, Vaccine Formulation Institute (VFI), Seppic
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1. Study Identification

Unique Protocol Identification Number
NCT04702178
Brief Title
A Clinical Trial of COVAC-2 in Healthy Adults
Official Title
A Randomized, Observer-Blind, Dose-Escalation Phase 1 Clinical Trial of COVAC-2 in Healthy Adults
Study Type
Interventional

2. Study Status

Record Verification Date
May 2023
Overall Recruitment Status
Completed
Study Start Date
February 10, 2021 (Actual)
Primary Completion Date
November 2, 2022 (Actual)
Study Completion Date
November 2, 2022 (Actual)

3. Sponsor/Collaborators

Responsible Party, by Official Title
Principal Investigator
Name of the Sponsor
University of Saskatchewan
Collaborators
Government of Canada, Government of Saskatchewan, Vaccine Formulation Institute (VFI), Seppic

4. Oversight

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product
No
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product
No
Product Manufactured in and Exported from the U.S.
No
Data Monitoring Committee
Yes

5. Study Description

Brief Summary
VIDO has developed a vaccine called COVAC-2. The study vaccine contains a portion of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, called S1. The spike protein is the part of the virus that is responsible for attaching to the surface of host cells. COVAC-2 contains a SWE adjuvant. An adjuvant is a compound that is added to a vaccine to help the vaccine produce a better immune response. The SWE adjuvant belongs to a family of oil-based adjuvants that have been given to millions of people around the world as part of influenza vaccines. The COVAC-2 vaccine is expected to stimulate the body to make antibodies against the S1 protein. The antibodies will recognize the viral spike protein if the body is exposed to the virus and prevent or reduce the severity of COVID-19 illness. In animal studies, the immune response generated by the COVAC-2 vaccine was able to protect the vaccinated animals against a severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Phase 1 is a multi-centred trial of the COVAC-2 vaccine to be completed in Canada. It will be a randomized, observer-blinded, and placebo-controlled study to assess the safety and immunogenicity of three dosing levels (25, 50, and 100 µg protein) administered twice (4 weeks apart) in healthy adults 18 through 54 years of age (Phase 1a) and 55 years of age and older (Phase 1b). Enrolment and vaccination of participants will be staggered over time based on participant age and vaccine dose. Approval will be sought from the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) to proceed with the second dose in each group, to enroll at each dose level, and to enroll in the older age group for each dose level. Within the same age group, the 8 participants receiving the lowest dose are randomized with 4 participants receiving placebo; the 8 participants receiving the medium dose are randomized with 4 participants receiving placebo; and the 8 participants receiving the highest dose are randomized with 4 participants receiving placebo. Within each dose level of 12 participants, it is proposed to immunize a first cohort of 3 participants (including at least 2 active vaccine participants) and pending no holding rule is met after 48 hours, to immunize the remaining 9 participants within that dose level.

6. Conditions and Keywords

Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2

7. Study Design

Primary Purpose
Prevention
Study Phase
Phase 1
Interventional Study Model
Sequential Assignment
Masking
ParticipantCare ProviderInvestigatorOutcomes Assessor
Allocation
Randomized
Enrollment
61 (Actual)

8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

Arm Title
Group A-2
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
COVAC-2 25 µg: 8 healthy adults 18 to 54 years of age receive the vaccine on Day 0, followed by a second dose on Day 28.
Arm Title
Group B-2
Arm Type
Placebo Comparator
Arm Description
Placebo Control: 4 healthy adults 18 to 54 years of age receive a dose of normal saline (placebo) on Day 0, followed by a dose of normal saline (placebo) on Day 28.
Arm Title
Group C-2
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
COVAC-2 50 µg: 8 healthy adults 18 to 54 years of age receive the vaccine on Day 0, followed by a second dose on Day 28.
Arm Title
Group D-2
Arm Type
Placebo Comparator
Arm Description
Placebo Control: 4 healthy adults 18 to 54 years of age receive a dose of normal saline (placebo) on Day 0, followed by a dose of saline placebo on Day 28.
Arm Title
Group E-2
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
COVAC-2 100 µg: 8 healthy adults 18 to 54 years of age receive the vaccine on Day 0, followed by a second dose on Day 28.
Arm Title
Group F-2
Arm Type
Placebo Comparator
Arm Description
Placebo Control: 4 healthy adults 18 to 54 years of age receive a dose of normal saline (placebo) on Day 0, followed by a dose of saline placebo on Day 28.
Arm Title
Group G-2
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
COVAC-2 25 µg: 8 or 9 healthy adults ≥ 55 years of age receive the vaccine on Day 0, followed by a second dose on Day 28.
Arm Title
Group H-2
Arm Type
Placebo Comparator
Arm Description
Placebo Control: 4 or 5 healthy adults ≥ 55 years of age receive a dose of normal saline (placebo) on Day 0, followed by a dose of normal saline (placebo) on Day 28.
Arm Title
Group I-2
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
COVAC-2 50 µg: 8 healthy adults ≥ 55 years of age receive the vaccine on Day 0, followed by a second dose on Day 28.
Arm Title
Group J-2
Arm Type
Placebo Comparator
Arm Description
Placebo Control: 4 healthy adults ≥ 55 years of age receive a dose of normal saline (placebo) on Day 0, followed by a dose of saline placebo on Day 28.
Intervention Type
Biological
Intervention Name(s)
COVAC-2
Intervention Description
Intramuscular vaccine against SARS-CoV-2
Intervention Type
Biological
Intervention Name(s)
Saline Placebo
Intervention Description
Intramuscular injection of saline placebo
Primary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Occurrence of adverse events (AEs) from the first injection to Day 28, in all participants, in all groups
Description
The occurrence of each solicited local and general AE, during each 7-day follow-up period after injection (e.g. the day of injection and 6 subsequent days); The occurrence of any unsolicited AEs for the entire study period; The occurrence of any hematological (hemoglobin level, WBC, lymphocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil, and platelet count) and biochemical (ALT, AST, BUN, and Cr) clinically significant laboratory abnormality through to Day 28 and; The occurrence of any serious AEs (SAEs), medically attended events (MAE), or adverse event of special interest (AESI).
Time Frame
Day 0 - 28
Title
Occurrence of AEs from the second injection to Day 56 (28 days post injection), in all participants, in all groups
Description
The occurrence of solicited local and general AE, during each 7-day follow-up period after the second injection (e.g. the day of 2nd injection and 6 subsequent days); The occurrence of any unsolicited AEs for the entire study period
Time Frame
Day 28 - 56
Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Specific antibody response induced by the vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 S protein as measured by ELISA
Description
The immune response to the study vaccine, as measured by antibody (e.g. IgG and other isotypes) directed to Wuhan spike antigen or neutralizing antibodies pre-injection (Day 0) and post-injection(s)
Time Frame
Days 0, 7, 14, 28, 35, 42, 56, 90, 120, and 365
Title
Specific cell-mediated immunity (CMI) response induced by the vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 virus
Description
o The immune response to the study vaccine, as measured by cell immune response markers in PBMCs collected pre-injection (Day 0) and post-injection(s)
Time Frame
Days 0, 14, 28, 35, 42, 120, and 365
Other Pre-specified Outcome Measures:
Title
Specific antibody response induced by the vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 RBD protein as measured by ELISA
Description
• The immune response to the study vaccine, as measured by antibody directed to RBD antigen pre-injection (Day 0) and post-injection(s)
Time Frame
Days 0, 7, 14, 28, 35, 42, 56, 90, 120, and 365
Title
Specific neutralizing antibody response induced by the vaccine against the B.1.1.7 Variant of Concern, as measured by neutralization assay.
Description
The immune response to the study vaccine, as measured by neutralizing antibodies against Variant of Concern B.1.1.7 pre-injection (Day 0) and post-injection(s).
Time Frame
Days 0, 7, 14, 28, 35, 42, 56, 90, 120, and 365

10. Eligibility

Sex
All
Minimum Age & Unit of Time
18 Years
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: To be eligible for the study, each participant must satisfy all of the following criteria: Male and female healthy adults ages 18 years of age or older; Good general health as determined by screening evaluation no greater than 30 days before immunization; If female of child-bearing potential and heterosexually active, practice of adequate contraception for 30 days prior to injection, negative pregnancy test on the day of injection, and agreement to continue adequate contraception until 180 days after the second injection and; Written informed consent, after review of the consent form and having adequate opportunity to discuss the study with an investigator or a qualified designee. Exclusion Criteria: Participant with any of the following criteria will be excluded: Presence of any febrile illness or any known or suspected acute illness on the day of any immunization; Any physical findings suggestive of acute or chronic illness; Any immunodeficiency (congenital or acquired); Receiving systemic immunosuppressive therapy or history of receiving chemotherapy in last 5 years other than topical agents; Receipt of systemic glucocorticoids (a dose ≥ 20 mg/day prednisone or equivalent for 14 days) within 1 month, or any other cytotoxic or immunosuppressive drug within 6 months; Cancer diagnosis in the last 5 years, excluding basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, which are allowed; Presence of autoimmune disease; Receipt of any investigational drug within 6 months; Receipt of any non-COVID-19 authorized vaccines within 2 weeks of study immunization; Receipt of any authorized COVID-19 vaccine prior to study enrollment; Receipt of any other experimental SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 or other experimental coronavirus vaccine(s) at any time prior to or during the study; Receipt of blood products or immunoglobulin (IVIg or IMIg) within 3 months of study entry/baseline serologic evaluation; Current anti-tuberculosis therapy; History of any reaction or hypersensitivity likely to be exacerbated by any component of the study vaccine; Hematologic or biochemical laboratory abnormalities (blood or urine), as defined by lab normal ranges. To exclude transient abnormalities, the investigator may repeat a test once, and if the repeat test is normal according to local reference ranges, participant may be enrolled. Grade 1 abnormalities of laboratory values will not be exclusionary if considered not clinically significant by the investigator and; Known current or previous laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-1 OR SARS-CoV-2 infection, as documented by a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test from a nasal swab OR known or laboratory-confirmed positive serology.
Overall Study Officials:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Joanne M Langley, MD
Organizational Affiliation
Canadian Center for Vaccinology
Official's Role
Principal Investigator
Facility Information:
Facility Name
Canadian Center for Vaccinology, Dalhousie University
City
Halifax
State/Province
Nova Scotia
ZIP/Postal Code
B3K 6R8
Country
Canada
Facility Name
Royal University Hospital
City
Saskatoon
State/Province
Saskatchewan
ZIP/Postal Code
S7N 0W8
Country
Canada

12. IPD Sharing Statement

Plan to Share IPD
No

Learn more about this trial

A Clinical Trial of COVAC-2 in Healthy Adults

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