Clover Biopharma of Chengdu entered into a research collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) to test its COVID-19 vaccine candidate with GSK's pandemic adjuvant system. Using its Trimer-Tag© technology, Clover has produced a S-Trimer subunit vaccine that resembles the native trimeric viral spike. It works by preventing entry of the virus into cells. Paired with an adjuvant, Clover's vaccine could be dosed at lower levels, allowing vaccinations for more people. GSK apparently has several adjuvants to offer. Clover claims to have one of the largest commercial-scale cGMP biomanufacturing capabilities in China.

“We are proud to contribute to cutting edge research from scientists at Clover Biopharmaceuticals in China as part of our strategy to make our adjuvant technology available to selected partners who have a promising vaccine candidate against the newly emerged coronavirus,” said Thomas Breuer, Chief Medical Officer of GSK Vaccines. “The use of an adjuvant is of particular importance in a pandemic situation since it may reduce the amount of vaccine protein required per dose, allowing more vaccine doses to be produced and therefore contributing to protect more people.”

“At Clover we look forward to evaluating the combination of GSK’s pandemic adjuvant system and our S-Trimer as a vaccine candidate. Utilizing our proprietary Timer-Tag© technology that has been shown to be recognized by antibodies produced by multiple previously-infected coronavirus patients, S-Trimer is being rapidly developed to support global efforts in combating this current and any future coronavirus outbreaks,” said Joshua Liang, Chief Strategy Officer and Board Director at Clover.

“We are proud to work with GSK, and we are encouraged by the progress of our S-Trimer vaccine program,” said Steven Gong, VP Business Development & Strategy at Clover. “To this end, we recognize that collaborations will be critical to accelerating the development of a successful new vaccine in times of emergency, and we continue to invite any interested regulatory, academic or industry parties to contact us for this noble common cause.”

Clover develops biologic therapies with a focus on oncology and autoimmune diseases, as well as viral vaccines. Having raised than $100 million in capital since 2016, Clover uses its Trimer-Tag© technology platform to develop novel biologics targeting trimerization-dependent pathways along with several biosimilars.

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Disclosure: none.