Overview
- A first‑in‑human phase I study of an AI‑designed Sarbeco coronavirus vaccine reported it was safe and triggered immune responses to SARS‑CoV‑2, SARS and related bat coronaviruses in an adult volunteer cohort.
- Researchers used machine learning on global viral sequence data to build a synthetic 'super‑antigen' that combines conserved features across a virus family, and this is the first time an antigen designed entirely by computer simulation has entered human testing.
- The candidate was delivered as a DNA vaccine using a needle‑free microfluid jet in NIHR clinical research facilities in Cambridge and Southampton, with reporting variances citing 39 to 49 participants in the phase I trial.
- Investigators are preparing a larger phase II study expected to recruit about 200 participants and are pursuing preclinical and development work to adapt the platform for other virus families such as influenza and Ebola while assessing efficacy, durability and scalability.
- The project is supported by NIHR infrastructure and Innovate UK, and researchers say the approach could shift vaccine development from reactive updates to proactive, family‑level protection if larger trials confirm broad, lasting immunity and manufacturability.