The team working on a COVID-19 vaccine in Saskatchewan says the vaccine has proven highly effective in ferrets which is one of the most commonly used animal models for the novel coronavirus.

To evaluate its effectiveness the ferrets received two immunizations prior to being exposed to SARS-Co-V-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Researchers at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre at the University of Saskatchewan, says the animals had a strong immune response, generated neutralizing antibodies and decreased viral infection in the upper respiratory tract to almost undetectable levels.

VIDO-InterVac Director Dr. Volker Gerdts says proving the vaccine is effective in ferrets is a key milestone in the development pathway.

Several additional trials are planned over the next few months including safety studies to prepare for human clinical trials this fall.

(CJWW)