PR93885

HONG KONG, Jan. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

Vaccines have been a trending topic ever since the coronavirus outbreak two

years ago. DreamTec Research Limited (DreamTec, http://www.dreamtec.hk) has its

major breakthrough in developing a COVID-19 oral vaccine. In its recently

published peer-reviewed paper in an international medical journal

Vaccines(https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10010002), which demonstrates Bacillus

subtilis (B. subtilis) spores, expressing a SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor

binding domain (sRBD) on their surface can then produce neutralizing

antibodies. DreamTec conducted a pilot study for a new COVID-19 oral vaccine

which is able to elicit an immune response in both mice and human volunteers

without adverse effects (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05057923).

"We set out to make a COVID-19 oral vaccine so that it could be safe, effective

and easy to administer," said Dr. Kwong, Chief Scientific Officer of DreamTec.

The use of B. subtilis antibody booster has drawn worldwide attention as it can

be stored at room temperature and remain stable for at least six months, as

cited in British media Clinical Trials

Arena(https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/analysis/oral-covid-19-vaccine-dreamte

c). Dr. Kwong added that spike proteins do not enter into the bloodstream.

B. subtilis is chosen based on its ability to survive human gut microbiome

conditions by forming spores. It is also recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug

Administration (FDA) as Generally Recognized As

Safe(https://www.fda.gov/food/food-ingredients-packaging/generally-recognized-sa

fe-gras) (GRAS). As the ability of traditional vaccines is undermined whenever

there is a variant, Dr. Kwong revealed, "We made our current constructs in a

matter of months, so if needed we can do the same in the future with other

possible SARS-CoV-2 variants, such as Omicron."

"We plan to engage with industry partners to conduct pre-clinical studies to

evaluate safety concerns for human use," said Dr. Kwong. DreamTec envisions the

oral antibody booster being manufactured in forms of capsules which contain

billions of B. subtilis spores. The transgenic spores are then released in the

small intestine, where a mucosal specific-immune response is generated. This

allows for a safe and effective approach to the vaccinated individuals with for

adding immune protection against SARS-CoV-2.

Founded by Dr. Kwong Wai Yeung, DreamTec is a biotechnology company which

develops cutting-edge biotechnologies including expression of valuable

recombinant proteins, RNA, and stem cells cultivation.

Source: DreamTec Research Limited

Image Attachments Links:

   Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=411937

   Caption: A: Bacillus subtilis spores produced by DreamTec; B: A human pilot test: the

level of neutralizing antibody against spike protein is significantly increased

after 42 days; C: Publication in Vaccines

   Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=411939

   Caption: DreamTec: Dr. Kwong, Dr. Sung and Dr. Wu and HKMU: Prof. Sze