Shanghai Everest Medicines partnered with Providence Therapeutics, an Alberta company, to develop a new COVID-19 vaccine that targets the Omicron variant. The two companies have analyzed the sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, selected viral sequences and designed plasmid clones. The companies expect to start clinical trials of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant vaccine in less than 100 days. Providence, which develops mRNA therapeutics, expanded its focus from oncology to include a COVID-19 vaccine. The two companies are already partnering on mRNA products.

In September, Everest signed a $500 million two-part deal with Providence to develop  mRNA products including a clinical stage mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. . 

“We believe it is essential to develop new vaccines quickly and effectively to combat the new Omicron COVID-19 variant. We will work closely with regulatory bodies and seek the appropriate clinical studies and regulatory approvals to bring this vaccine to market as soon as possible.” said Brad Sorenson, CEO of Providence Therapeutics. 

“We look forward to rapidly developing this new Omicron variant vaccine with Providence, and bringing the benefit of this vaccine to those areas with lower accessibility to current mRNA vaccine treatments in particular.” said Kerry Blanchard, MD, PhD, CEO of Everest Medicines.  

Everest has developed a portfolio of ten candidates with global first-in-class or best-in-class potential. The company was formed by CBC.

See our other articles on Everest.

Disclosure: none.