GeoVax Labs Secures Patent for Multi-Antigen COVID-19 Vaccine Design

GeoVax Labs, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company, announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued a Notice of Allowance for a patent application covering a novel COVID-19 vaccine design. The patent protects a vaccine that uses the company's proprietary Modified Vaccinia Ankara platform to deliver three key structural proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus: Spike, Membrane, and Envelope. This multi-antigen approach differs from current mRNA vaccines that primarily target the Spike protein alone. By including multiple antigens, the GeoVax vaccine is designed to trigger a broader and more durable immune response, potentially maintaining protection as the virus continues to evolve.

David A. Dodd, Chairman and CEO of GeoVax, stated that this patent allowance validates the company's innovative approach to vaccine design, particularly for vulnerable populations like the immunocompromised who remain at significant risk despite widespread vaccination. The new patent extends GeoVax's intellectual property portfolio covering its multi-antigen MVA vaccine platform, which supports multiple programs targeting infectious diseases. It complements the company's existing protection for GEO-CM04S1, currently in Phase 2 clinical trials across several patient populations. The same technology platform also underpins GeoVax's programs for targeting smallpox and hemorrhagic fever viruses, supporting U.S. and global efforts to expand vaccine manufacturing and pandemic preparedness.

GEO-CM04S1 is GeoVax's dual-antigen COVID-19 vaccine candidate designed to stimulate both antibody and T-cell immune responses. The vaccine is being evaluated in multiple Phase 2 clinical studies, including use as a primary vaccine for immunocompromised patients, a booster for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and a durable booster for healthy adults previously vaccinated with mRNA vaccines. For more information about the company's clinical trials and updates, visit https://www.geovax.com.

The patent allowance represents a significant development in next-generation vaccine technology, addressing limitations of current vaccines that focus on single viral components. As COVID-19 continues to circulate with new variants emerging, vaccines that target multiple viral proteins could provide more comprehensive protection and reduce the need for frequent booster shots. This approach aligns with broader pandemic preparedness goals, creating platforms that can be adapted more quickly to new threats.