GeoVax Labs, Inc. is poised to take a significant step forward in the development of COVID-19 vaccines, showcasing innovative data at the upcoming Keystone Symposia on Vaccinology in Washington, D.C., from June 4 to 7, 2025. The Atlanta-based clinical-stage biotechnology firm, known for its focus on multi-antigen vaccines and immunotherapies, plans to present findings that could enhance the understanding and efficacy of vaccine responses to various SARS-CoV-2 variants.
During the symposium, GeoVax’s scientific team, alongside academic collaborators, will deliver critical insights in two pivotal poster presentations. The first, led by Dr. Pratima Kumari, will detail research on MVA-vectored multi-antigen COVID-19 vaccines that have demonstrated protective immunity against a range of variants from Alpha to Omicron in preclinical animal models. This presentation is scheduled for June 5 at noon.
The second presentation, by Dr. Amany Elsharkawy from Georgia State University, will focus on the GEO-CM04S1 vaccine candidate, which continues to maintain significant cross-reactivity against the original SARS-CoV-2 B.1 strain and the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5. This discussion is set for June 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Mark Newman, PhD, GeoVax’s Chief Scientific Officer, emphasized the importance of these presentations, stating, “These data underscore our commitment to advancing innovative MVA-vaccine vector-based strategies to optimally target the continually evolving SARS-CoV-2 virus.” He added that the research highlights the necessity of inducing broadly specific immune responses, particularly focusing on T-cell responses to both Spike and Nucleocapsid viral proteins. Such advancements are particularly critical for vulnerable populations, including various immunocompromised patients, who may not achieve sufficient immunity from existing vaccines.
GeoVax’s involvement in the Keystone Symposia is not just a display of its commitment to scientific innovation but also underscores the company’s leadership in harnessing next-generation technology to combat infectious diseases and prepare for future viral challenges. The conference will provide a platform for global experts to converge, share insights, and evaluate the latest advancements in vaccine research and development, particularly in light of emerging COVID-19 variants.
The company’s flagship vaccine, GEO-CM04S1, is currently undergoing several Phase 2 clinical trials, aiming to serve multiple roles. It is being evaluated as a primary vaccine for immunocompromised patients such as those with hematologic cancers, a booster for patients suffering from chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and as a more durable booster for healthy individuals who previously received mRNA vaccine doses.
In addition to its COVID-19 initiatives, GeoVax is also striving to make strides in oncology. The company is assessing Gedeptin®, a novel oncolytic solid tumor gene-directed therapy, which has recently completed a multicenter Phase 1/2 clinical trial targeting advanced head and neck cancers. Furthermore, GeoVax is working on GEO-MVA, a vaccine aimed at providing protection against Mpox and smallpox.
GeoVax holds a robust intellectual property portfolio, safeguarding its innovative technologies and product candidates, with worldwide rights for its developments. The company continues to emphasize its dedication to advancing healthcare solutions, striving to address gaps noted in current vaccine strategies, particularly for at-risk populations.
As the landscape of infectious diseases evolves, the outcomes of GeoVax’s research and clinical trials could play a crucial role not only in the ongoing battle against COVID-19 but also in enhancing global vaccination strategies against a spectrum of infectious diseases. For more information on the Keystone Conference and updates on GeoVax’s clinical trials, interested parties can visit the Keystone Symposia website and GeoVax’s official site.
In conclusion, the data to be presented at the Keystone Symposia may have far-reaching implications for public health policy and future vaccine development, especially as the world continues to navigate the challenges posed by COVID-19 and emerging viral threats. The unfolding story of GeoVax’s innovative approaches highlights a proactive and strategic response to a rapidly changing epidemiological landscape, marking a potentially pivotal moment in the ongoing global fight against infectious diseases.