Last checked at 
(Alliance News) - GlaxoSmithKline PLC and CureVac AG on Monday said a second-generation mRNA Covid-19 vaccine candidate demonstrated stronger protection than the German biotechnology firm's underwhelming first jab.
CureVac and London-based pharmaceutical firm GSK announced preclinical data probing immune responses of CV2CoV against SARS-CoV-2 in non-human primates.
Compared to CureVac's first jab candidate, CVnCoV, which was not developed alongside GSK, CV2CoV achieved "better activation of innate and adaptive immune responses".
The second-generation jab also offered higher antibody activity among Beta, Delta and Lambda variants of the virus.
"Higher antibody neutralizing capacity was observed with CV2CoV across all selected variants, including the Beta, Delta and Lambda variants. During challenge with the original SARS-CoV-2 virus, animals vaccinated with CV2CoV were found to be better protected based on highly effective clearance of the virus in the lungs and nasal passages," CureVac said.
Data in July showed CureVac's first generation vaccine had an efficacy rate of just 48%, far lower than those developed by mRNA rivals BioNTech SE-Pfizer Inc and Moderna Inc.
CureVac at the time said its jab, known as CVnCoV, did slightly better among people aged 18 to 60 than among older ages, with efficacy climbing to 53%.
Among that same 18 to 60 age group, the vaccine offered 100% protection against hospitalisation and death.
The Covid vaccines developed by Germany's BioNTech in partnership with US giant Pfizer and by US firm Moderna – based on the same novel messenger RNA technology – were approved earlier on in the pandemic after showing around 95% efficacy.
Back in February, CureVac and GSK announced a partnership to jointly develop next-generation mRNA vaccines for Covid-19.
mRNA technology gives instructions for the body's cells to make a harmless piece of "spike proteins". The spike protein is found on the surface of the virus that causes Covid-19. This in turn makes the body trigger an immune response, offering immunity against any potential future infections.
Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, Glaxo will have exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialise the vaccine in all countries with the exception of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It also will be the marketing authorisation holder for all countries other than Switzerland. Glaxo will make an upfront payment to CureVac of EUR75 million and a further milestone payment of EUR75 million, conditional on the achievement of specific milestones.
CureVac shares were 5.2% higher at EUR53.00 each in Frankfurt on Monday afternoon. GSK's stock was 0.2% lower at 1,489.20 pence each in London.
By Eric Cunha; ericcunha@alliancenews.com
Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
