ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) vaccine candidate significantly reduces SARS-CoV-2 shedding in ferrets.

Abstract

Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are likely to be critical in the management of the ongoing pandemic. A number of candidates are in Phase III human clinical trials, including ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222), a replication-deficient chimpanzee adenovirus-vectored vaccine candidate. In preclinical trials, the efficacy of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 against SARS-CoV-2 challenge was evaluated in a ferret model of infection. Groups of ferrets received either prime-only or prime-boost administration of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 via the intramuscular or intranasal route. All ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 administration combinations resulted in significant reductions in viral loads in nasal-wash and oral swab samples. No vaccine-associated adverse events were observed associated with the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 candidate, with the data from this study suggesting it could be an effective and safe vaccine against COVID-19. Our study also indicates the potential for intranasal administration as a way to further improve the efficacy of this leading vaccine candidate.

• Authors: Glenn A Marsh, Alexander J McAuley, Gough G Au, Sarah Riddell, Daniel Layton, Nagendrakumar B Singanallur, Rachel Layton, Jean Payne, Peter A Durr, Hannah Bender, Jennifer A Barr, John Bingham, Victoria Boyd, Sheree Brown, Matthew P Bruce, Kathie Burkett, Teresa Eastwood, Sarah Edwards, Tamara Gough, Kim Halpin, Jenni Harper, Clare Holmes, William S J Horman, Petrus Jansen van Vuren, Suzanne Lowther, Kate Maynard, Kristen D McAuley, Matthew J Neave, Timothy Poole, Christina Rootes, Brenton Rowe, Elisha Soldani, Vittoria Stevens, Cameron R Stewart, Willy W Suen, Mary Tachedjian, Shawn Todd, Lee Trinidad, Duane Walter, Naomi Watson, Trevor W Drew, Sarah C Gilbert, Teresa Lambe, S S Vasan
• Journal: NPJ vaccines (NPJ Vaccines) Vol. 6 Issue 1 Pg. 67 (May 10 2021) ISSN: 2059-0105 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 33972565 (Publication Type: Journal Article)