By contrast, Novavax is developing a “subunit” vaccine - which sends copies of the virus’s spike protein directly into the body to stimulate an immune response. This is an established vaccine technology currently already being used against diseases such as HPV, Hepatitis B and shingles.
During this vaccine trial, 130 healthy people between the ages of 18-59 will undergo a randomized controlled trial. Some participants will receive a placebo while others receive Novavax’s vaccine candidate. The trial will test two different dosages of the vaccine, and will also test doses both with and without a vaccine adjuvant - a compound that can help boost the immune response from a vaccine. If the results are positive, the company says it will immediately move into the next phase of testing at sites around the world.