No time like now for my first thread! Thought I would give my take on the COVID-19 vaccines that have published results for human trials. And as everyone loves a ‘best of’ list, here is my top 4...

4. Ad5-nCOV. CanSino. Well they got to Phase I & Phase II first. However neutralising antibody (NAbs) levels somewhat underwhelming. Decent T cell response, safety (relatively) good. With no idea of level of immunity required for protection, can't be written off just yet...

3. AZD1222. AstraZeneca/Oxford Uni. The pre-sales have been great, hope it works! Phase I outcomes fine but immunogenicity not as impressive as vaccines to come. Animal data OK but not overly compelling, and some minor issues with tolerability. Let's see what phase III tells us..

2. mRNA-1273. Moderna. I was not betting on the mRNA vaccines, but impressive immunogenicity so far. NAbs levels above that of serum from recovered COVID patients. Vaccine does seem to hurt a bit though (some side effects), a necessary trade off for a protective vaccine?

1. BNT162b1. BioNTech/Pfizer. Ticking most boxes. High NAbs. Most comprehensive analysis of T cell immunity (including both CD4, CD8, cytokine secretion). Side effects not trivial, could be an mRNA thing?

I do feel the big guns are yet to roll out however, still waiting on (published) data from the traditional approches with a proven track record, such as inactivated vaccines (Sinovac) and protein + vaccine (e.g. Novavax). Plus Sinovac got in early with the best name, Coronavac!

And don't count out our local Aussie vaccines in Phase I trials. We should see data for COVAX-19 first (Vaxine), uses an adjuvant platform with a well established safety record. The UQ vaccine (needs a name) uses nice technology to optimise immunogenicity, let's hope it delivers!