Sask. lab says its COVID-19 vaccine candidate has been found safe, issues open call for volunteers to receive it
The COVID-19 vaccine developed by the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) at the University of Saskatchewan is safe, the lab announced Wednesday.
The most common reactions from the Phase 1 clinical trial for the vaccine, named COVAC-2, were a headache and mild injection site pain, which VIDO says are common after most immunizations.
In addition, even the lowest vaccine dose significantly increased the participants’ antibody levels, including neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, VIDO says.
“The data continues to demonstrate the safety of our subunit vaccine COVAC-2,” Dr. Volker Gerdts, director and CEO of VIDO, said in a news release.
“We are encouraged by the vaccine’s ability to generate a significant immune response, even at the lowest dose tested.”
Subunit vaccines such as COVAC-2 contain purified viral proteins that are not infectious and the technology offers a history of safety and ease of storage and transport, VIDO says.
Participants continue to be recruited for the clinical trial in Halifax and a new clinical trial site will also open in Saskatoon later this summer.
Those 18 years and older who have not been infected with COVID-19 or received an authorized COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to volunteer.
They can contact the Clinical Trial Support Unit at ctsu@usask.ca or 306-978-8300.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near a major airbase at the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.