Benzinga | May 12, 2021 09:55AM EDT

Inovio's Pan-COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate Can Provide Immune Responses Against Variants, Animal Study Shows

* Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: INO) has announced results from a preclinical study of its next-generation Pan-COVID-19 vaccine candidate, INO-4802, that demonstrates its potential to induce cross-reactive immune responses against current and emerging viral variants.

* Data showed the vaccine candidate induced potent neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses against the original Wuhan strain as well as against B.1.1.7 (U.K. variant), B.1.351 (South African variant), and P.1. (Brazilian variant) in preclinical models.

* INO-4802 has potential as either a first-line vaccine or a boost for individuals previously immunized with various Wuhan-matched vaccines.

* The company plans to conduct Phase 1/2 trials this year with INO-4802.

* Earlier this week, the company announced positive data from the Phase 2 segment of its Phase 2/3 INNOVATE trial in the U.S., evaluating INO-4800, its DNA vaccine candidate for COVID-19.

* INO-4800 will enter a global Phase 3 trial this summer.

* Price Action: INO shares are trading 0.15% higher at $6.5 on the last check Wednesday.