Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate Reports Positive Results In Pre-Clinical Studies

Johnson & Johnson has announced positive results from pre-clinical trial for its lead vaccine candidate that protects against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. According to recently published data, the company’s adenovirus serotype 26 (Ad26) vector-based vaccine produced an immune response and managed to stop further infections. In addition, the drug offered near-complete protection in the lungs.

“We are excited to see these pre-clinical data because they show our SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate generated a strong antibody response and provided protection with a single dose,” said Paul Stoffels, M.D., Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee and Chief Scientific Officer, Johnson & Johnson.

In a statement, J&J said the six non-human primates that were treated with a single dose did not show any detectable virus in the lower respiratory system. The company will proceed with phase III trial after it gets satisfactory results from the studies that are currently underway.

While selecting participants, the company will aim to have a good representation of Hispanic volunteers, African-American, and communities that have been hard hit by the pandemic.

J&J to supply 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine for US

J&J has announced that it has signed an agreement with the U.S government to manufacture and deliver 100 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine. Ad26.COV2.S, the company’s investigational vaccine, will be used in the US to treat COVID-19 after approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In the agreement, the US has pledged more than $1 billion under the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), which is a section of the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and the US Department of Defense. Under the agreement, the government will have an additional 200 million doses after approval.

US government signs deal with Pfizer for supply of 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine

The US government has also signed an agreement with Pfizer and BioNTech for supply of 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine. The deal is valued at $1.95 billion.