INO-4701

INO-4701 is a DNA vaccine candidate developed by Inovio Pharmaceuticals for the prevention of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), a viral respiratory illness caused by the MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The vaccine consists of a synthetic DNA plasmid that encodes the viral spike (S) protein. When delivered into the body—typically via intradermal or intramuscular injection followed by electroporation using Inovio's proprietary CELLECTRA device—the plasmid enters host cells and directs the expression of the S protein. This process induces a robust immune response, including the production of neutralizing antibodies and the activation of T cells, to provide protection against the virus. The development of this candidate has been supported by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).