Coronaviruses
Seven members of the coronavirus family are already known to infect people, often with deadly consequences. CEPI’s coronavirus R&D investments focus on two of its priority pathogens—COVID-19 and MERS—as well as broadly protective coronavirus vaccines and the establishment of a coronavirus vaccine library.
COVID-19
COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a coronavirus related to MERS-CoV. The 21st century has seen three coronavirus epidemics or pandemics already. That is why CEPI is a leading funder of research into broadly protective coronavirus vaccines, which could protect against future SARS-CoV-2 variants as well as other coronaviruses with epidemic and pandemic potential.
MERS
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a respiratory illness caused by the MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV). It belongs to the same family of viruses that cause the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and COVID-19.
MERS-CoV was first identified in 2012 and most cases have been reported from the Arabian Peninsula. In 2015, however, the Republic of Korea suffered the largest MERS outbreak outside of the Middle East—researchers estimated that the total cost of this outbreak approached US$10bn.
There are currently no licensed vaccines or treatments against MERS. The WHO has identified MERS as a priority disease with epidemic potential in urgent need of R&D.
CEPI’s aim is to advance MERS vaccine candidates through Phase 2 clinical trials and potentially develop a ready reserve of vaccines that could be used to control regional outbreaks.
Broadly protective coronavirus vaccines
CEPI has invested up to US$230 million in a portfolio of broadly protective coronavirus vaccine projects. Through these investments CEPI aims to strengthen global preparedness against a range of coronavirus threats, from Sarbecoviruses to zoonotic coronaviruses that could spill over into human populations.
A Coronavirus vaccine library
To combat the broader risk posed by potential spillover of novel coronaviruses from animals to humans, CEPI has initiated efforts to establish a “Coronavirus vaccine library”—a repository of data and knowledge about vaccines targeting this viral family, intended to accelerate vaccine development against future Coronavirus threats. This approach includes work to prioritise potential Coronavirus threats; design immunogens against these prioritised pathogens, which could be used as vaccine targets; support preclinical testing of potential vaccine targets on various vaccine platforms; and support clinical testing of the most promising candidates to ascertain Phase 1 safety and immunogenicity.
