MediciNova (MNOV) jumped over 65% today after the company announced a collaboration with BioComo and Mie University to develop a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. The partners, both based in Japan, have developed a novel vector for delivering viral genes and proteins into human cells. The technology platform has been used to develop experimental vaccines against Ebola virus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The agreement would allow MediciNova to exclusively use vector technology for an experimental SarS-CoV-2 vaccine in worldwide development rights. While the development framework has inherent advantages (on paper), the global initiative towards developing safe and efficient coronavirus vaccines is definitely a little late.
The most significant feature of these experimental drugs is the delivery of all hype-related genetic medicines, including gene therapy and CRISPR gene editing devices. Failure to produce RNA (RNAi) and gene therapy applicants have in the past caused insufficient delivery technologies and is expected to hinder the use of gene-editing techniques in the clinical trials.
Vaccines are also essential. For instance, the early- stage results of its SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate were recently announced by China’s CanSino. Investors were disappointed that it was not very successful to know experimental therapy. About half of the participants in the trial had a viral vector that was selected to transmit vaccine payload at least partially immunized. Essentially, the vaccine for CanSino won’t compete internationally, even though it’s pushed to market domestically by the Chinese government.
MediciNova, BioComo and Mie University partner and put distribution at the forefront. A viral vector, BC-PIV, based on the recombinant human parainfluenza virus (HPIV-2,) type 2 is used to produce the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate. BC-PIV will easily hold several viral proteins inside and around it, retain a proper protein structure including therapeutic weight and does not produce side immune response (the HPIV-2 is not activating the immune system itself). It does not activate the proteins that provide a therapeutic payload.
Is MediciNova (MNOV) a reliable investment?
Investors should be happy about the essential emphasis MediciNova on delivery in the production of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. The chosen viral vector, BC-PIV, has inherent advantages relative to alternative approaches that could decrease the risk associated with vaccine protection and efficacy. It is not growing, but this is a good beginning.
Obviously, investors do not want to get too tired at the moment. Despite today’s release, MediciNova is only valuing $400 million. In the world, as many SARS-CoV-2 vaccines as possible must be safe and effective as possible to reduce production and distribution risks.
