CureVac & GSK’s Bivalent COVID Shot Gets a Lion‑heart Mouse Test
Last week, CureVac and GlaxoSmithKline rolled out a new vaccine that’s supposed to lock onto both the Beta and Delta COVID‑19 variants. The fresh two‑layer mRNA concoction did a pretty solid job in mice.
What the Lab Results Say
- Both Beta and Delta got neutralising antibody levels that matched the old single‑variant shots.
- When the mice were challenged with either variant, the bivalent vaccine cut the viral load dramatically – a real win for the immune system.
- It hints at a broader shield from a single shot versus a one‑variant vaccine, but that remains to be confirmed in humans.
Why This Matters
CureVac, a German mRNA specialist, has been chasing the same tech that powered the BioNTech‑Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The company had a tough year before pushing this improved partner‑led version.
Next Steps
More rigorous human trials will be essential before anyone can say 100% this cocktail will stay on top of the game. Until then, the mice are holding up the banner and giving the scientists something to brag about.
<img alt="" data-caption="A GlaxoSmithKline plant is seen in Montrose, Scotland, Britain, on Oct 22, 2018.
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Germany Secures A Huge Vaccine Deal to Stay Ahead of the Next Pandemic Wave
In a bold move that echoes their earlier support for a biotech startup, the German government has inked a contract worth more than 80 million doses with CureVac and GSK. This fresh partnership is all about arming the country with extra mRNA vaccines, ready for anything that might pop up in the future.
Why Germany Is Going All‑In on mRNA
- German officials want a safety net for future public‑health emergencies.
- The deal boosts stocks of next‑gen vaccines that can fight newer strains.
- It’s a clear sign that the country believes mRNA platforms are the future.
Who’s Already Testing the Next‑Gen Shots?
While BioNTech‑Pfizer and Moderna have been leading the charge with human trials for new mono‑ and bivalent vaccines, CureVac just kicked off early human testing at the end of March. Their focus? An improved monovalent jab that hones in on the original Wuhan strain of the coronavirus.
Quick Take‑away
Germany’s move is a wake‑up call—if you thought the pandemic was a one‑time event, the numbers say otherwise. Grab your mugs of coffee, because the lab’s still mixing new breeds of vaccines to keep us all a step ahead.
