COVAX-19

COVAX-19 (or SpikoGen) is a recombinant protein-based COVID-19 vaccine developed by South Australian-based biotech company Vaxine, in collaboration with CinnaGen, a private company with operations in the Middle East. It is under clinical trial in collaboration with the Iranian company CinnaGen.

Medical uses
It requires two doses 21 days apart given by intramuscular injection.

Pharmacology
COVAX-19 is a recombinant protein subunit.

History
Vaxine began work on a COVID-19 vaccine in January 2020. After developing a vaccine adjuvant the company decided to focus on a "recombinant protein-based vaccine". A phase 1 human trial started in June 2020. The phase 1 trial involved 40 participants, 30 of whom received the vaccine. The remaining ten participants received a saline placebo.

Phases 2 and 3 clinical trials of COVAX-19 are being conducted in Iran under a co-operation agreement. Phase 2 clinical trials started in May 2021 and Phase 3 trials commenced in August 2021. In the phase 2 trials, 400 Iranian volunteers were injected with either a placebo or the first dose of the vaccine. If the studies are successful, Cinnagen will produce the vaccine under the name SpikoGen in Iran.

Authorisations
On 6 October 2021, Iran approved the vaccine for emergency use.