Cureatis Completes Phase 1 Patient Dosing and Follow-up for Next-Generation mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine

Curatis announced on the 3rd that the administration and follow-up observation for the last patient in the Phase 1 clinical trial of the next-generation mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (QTP104) were completed on the 21st of last month at two sites: Severance Hospital (Sinchon) and Gangnam Severance Hospital.

QTP104, like existing mRNA vaccines, injects a portion of the antigen virus's genetic material, enabling the human body to produce the antigen protein itself and induce antibody formation. This Curatis mRNA incorporates a replicase gene involved in self-amplification among the vaccine components, allowing the genetic material corresponding to the antigen to self-amplify within human cells and produce more antigen protein, representing next-generation mRNA vaccine technology.

Generally, mRNA vaccines require a large amount of mRNA and repeated doses to show adequate immune preventive efficacy. However, Curatis mRNA is noted as a next-generation mRNA that can overcome these drawbacks because its self-amplifying characteristic inside cells after administration allows sufficient antigen expression even with a small dose.

A Curatis representative explained, "Curatis mRNA can induce a strong immune response along with higher protein antigen production compared to existing mRNA, so the Curatis mRNA platform can be usefully applied to future vaccine development and gene therapy." They added, "QTP104's delivery system, LION (Lipid In-Organic Nanoparticle), itself acts as an immune adjuvant, and it does not contain polyethylene glycol (PEG), which is included in Pfizer and Moderna's mRNA vaccines, minimizing related allergic reactions."

Curatis is conducting Phase 1 clinical trials with 31 participants at Severance Hospital (Sinchon) and Gangnam Severance Hospital and plans to announce the final results after data analysis by the end of this year.