Imperial COVID-19 vaccine

The Imperial COVID-19 vaccine is a self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccine candidate developed by Imperial College London, led by Professor Robin Shattock. Unlike conventional mRNA vaccines, this platform uses a synthetic RNA template derived from an alphavirus replicon that replicates itself once inside the host cell. This self-amplification mechanism allows for significantly lower dosage levels (as low as 0.1 μg) while maintaining high levels of antigen expression over an extended period. The vaccine encodes the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to elicit both neutralizing antibodies and cellular immune responses. Clinical development reached Phase I (COVAC1), demonstrating safety and immunogenicity in the majority of participants. To facilitate global distribution and equitable access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, Imperial established the social enterprise VacEquity Global Health (VGH).

Other names

Imperial saRNA vaccineImperial College COVID-19 vaccine