Story perspectives

AI-Designed Universal Coronavirus Vaccine Shows Phase 1 Success in 39 Adults

6/9/2026

Summary

Cambridge Completes Phase-1

Cambridge University and DIOSynVax completed a Phase 1 trial of an AI-designed universal Sarbecovirus vaccine.
The trial enrolled 39 healthy adults aged 18-50 at NIHR sites in Southampton and Cambridge.
Participants received the DNA vaccine pEVAC-PS via a needle-free micro-fluidic jet with mild side effects.
The vaccine generated binding antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1 and several bat coronaviruses.
Neutralising titres rose against Omicron BA.1 or Delta, prompting a Phase 2 trial of protection.

Summary

FDA stalls

The U.S. FDA has not defined a regulatory pathway for a universal coronavirus vaccine.
Phase 2 trials will run at international sites where coronaviruses circulate, testing multiple strains.
An AI platform screened millions of antigen candidates, accelerating design beyond conventional lab methods.
Baylor College of Medicine, Northwestern University and South Africa—after 300,000 excess deaths and a 7 % GDP drop in 2020—back the effort to stay ahead of future variants.

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Cambridge Completes Phase-1

Cambridge University and DIOSynVax completed a Phase 1 trial of an AI-designed universal Sarbecovirus vaccine.
The trial enrolled 39 healthy adults aged 18-50 at NIHR sites in Southampton and Cambridge.
Participants received the DNA vaccine pEVAC-PS via a needle-free micro-fluidic jet with mild side effects.
The vaccine generated binding antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1 and several bat coronaviruses.
Neutralising titres rose against Omicron BA.1 or Delta, prompting a Phase 2 trial of protection.

1 / 2