Coronavirus Response
ULTRAPOTENT VACCINES
A protein-based vaccine for COVID-19 that uses our self-assembling nanoparticle technology has been approved by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for use in individuals 18 years of age and older. The vaccine, now known as SKYCovione, was found to be more effective than the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine sold under the brand names Covishield and Vaxzevria.
SK bioscience, the company leading the SKYCovione’s clinical development abroad, is now seeking approval for its use in the United Kingdom and beyond. If approved by the World Health Organization, the vaccine will be made available through COVAX, an international effort to equitably distribute COVID-19 vaccines around the world. The University of Washington is licensing the vaccine technology royalty-free for the duration of the pandemic.
The Dream Vaccine | Science
ANTIVIRAL PROTEINS
In less than a month, IPD researchers designed on the computer over two million antiviral proteins targeting the novel coronavirus. Over 120,000 of the most promising candidates have been tested in the lab. The current best neutralize live virus with activities rivaling the best known antibodies. We are now working to advance these candidate antivirals into clinical testing.
De novo design of picomolar SARS-CoV-2 miniprotein inhibitors | Science
Antibodies Good. Machine-Made Molecules Better? | New York Times
RAPID DIAGNOSTICS
Diagnostic tests are essential for detecting coronavirus infection and immunity, but current tests are expensive and complex to perform. To overcome this, scientists in the Baker Lab have created new ways to detect SARS-CoV-2 in blood, as well as protective antibodies against it. These diagnostic biosensors are currently being optimized for use without laboratory instruments or refrigeration.
De novo design of modular and tunable protein biosensors | Nature