VIDO vaccine to be put to test this summer in Saskatoon

The vaccine developed by the University of Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) is coming to Saskatoon for its clinical trial testing.

The trial testing is expected to begin later this summer. The vaccine — named COVAC-2 — was deemed safe on Wednesday after positive results from its Phase 1 clinical trial.

Dr. Volker Gerdts, director and CEO of VIDO, joined Gormley Friday to discuss the future of the COVAC-2 vaccine.

“Right now, we are going forward with a two-dose regimen but if we are using this as a booster, then most likely it would be a one-shot booster, only,” Gerdts said. “The vaccine is well-tolerated, so (it’s) safe. There (have been) no significant adverse reactions to the vaccine.”

More results will be coming this week on potential reactions for the older age groups that get a higher dose. Common side effects of the vaccine have been headaches and mild joint pain, which according to VIDO, is a common reaction to most immunizations.

With many already approved COVID-19 vaccines in Canada — why would we need another?

In response to that specific question, Dr. Gerdts had an explanation.

“What we are using is a protein supplement technology, those technologies are currently not on the market … Those are different from the RNA technologies that are currently authorized,” he said.

“The advantage of this technology that we are using is that there is a long track record in terms of safety available. Protein supplement vaccines have been used in humans for decades.”

Anyone looking to volunteer must be 18 years or older and have not been diagnosed with COVID-19. For the Phase 2 trial, participants can be previously vaccinated for COVID-19.

Dr. Gerdts expressed that anyone looking to volunteer can email ctsu@usask.ca or call 306-978-8300.

“We are asking to just give us a call or take a look at our website and we’d be glad to send you some information,” he said.