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AI just designed 'universal vaccine' — and it cleared first human trial: Could it prevent future pandemics?

AI just designed 'universal vaccine' — and it cleared first human trial: Could it prevent future pandemics?

An AI-designed "universal vaccine" is being developed Photograph: (AFP)

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Researchers from the Universities of Cambridge and Southampton have developed an AI-designed universal coronavirus vaccine that has successfully passed its first human trial. Tested on 39 volunteers, it was found safe and could provide broad protection against multiple coronavirus strains

A major breakthrough has been achieved as researchers at the Universities of Cambridge and Southampton have designed "universal vaccine" using artificial intelligence which has now successfully passed its first human clinical trial. The universal vaccine has been designed against protecting multiple coronavirus strains. The vaccine could offer broader, long-term protection and help the world prepare for future pandemics without constant vaccine updates, according to reports.

What we know about the universal vaccine?

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Researchers from the University of Cambridge and biotechnology company DIOSynVax (DVX) Ltd reported that this is an experimental vaccine which passed first human clinical trial. They said it was safe and caused no significant side effects in a clinical trial involving 39 healthy volunteers.

According to researchers, this vaccine was designed to provide protection across the wider Sarbeco coronavirus family. This group includes SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, as well as SARS and related coronaviruses found in bats that could potentially spill over into humans in the future. The findings were published in the Journal of Infection.

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The fact that this vaccine has been developed using AI, represents a new approach to vaccine development. Researchers used artificial intelligence and computer modeling to create a “super-antigen" capable of triggering immunity against many related viruses at once. This is the first time a vaccine whose active component was designed entirely through computer simulations has been tested in people.

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Navashree Nandini

Navashree Nandini works as a senior sub-editor and has over five years of experience. She writes about global conflicts ranging from India and its neighbourhood to West Asia to the...Read More

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