FAQ on GeoVax's Response to HHS mRNA Vaccine Rollback and the Advantages of MVA-Based Vaccines

What is GeoVax’s response to the HHS’s decision on mRNA vaccines?

GeoVax supports the HHS’s decision, emphasizing that their MVA-based multi-antigen vaccine, GEO-CM04S1, addresses the limitations of mRNA vaccines by offering broader and more durable protection against COVID-19, including in immunocompromised patients.

Why does GeoVax believe their MVA-based vaccine is superior to mRNA vaccines?

GeoVax’s vaccine expresses multiple antigens (Spike and Nucleocapsid proteins) of SARS-CoV-2, inducing robust and durable immunity across variants, unlike mRNA vaccines which target a single antigen and may encourage viral mutations.

What are the key benefits of GEO-CM04S1?

GEO-CM04S1 offers broader and more durable protection against COVID-19, safety for vulnerable populations, scalable manufacturing, and is effective across multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants, including in immunocompromised individuals.

How does GEO-CM04S1 address the issue of antigenic shift mentioned by HHS Secretary Kennedy?

By targeting multiple antigens, GEO-CM04S1 reduces the risk of the virus mutating to evade immunity, a limitation of single-target mRNA vaccines that can encourage new mutations and prolong pandemics.

What populations can safely receive GeoVax’s MVA-based vaccines?

MVA-based vaccines are FDA-approved for immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and children, making them a safer option for a broader range of the population compared to mRNA vaccines.

What other diseases is GeoVax targeting with its MVA-based vaccine platform?

Beyond COVID-19, GeoVax is developing vaccines for hemorrhagic fever viruses (Ebola Zaire, Ebola Sudan, Marburg), Zika, and Mpox/Smallpox, aligning with global pandemic preparedness and biodefense priorities.

How does GeoVax’s manufacturing process benefit the U.S.?

GeoVax’s AGE.1 manufacturing processes for MVA-based vaccines support scalable, decentralized U.S. vaccine production, offering faster production, higher yields at reduced costs, and enhancing public health resilience.

What clinical evidence supports the efficacy of GEO-CM04S1?

Phase 2 trials showed GEO-CM04S1 induces robust antibody and T-cell immunity across SARS-CoV-2 variants, including in a trial among Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia patients where it exceeded immune-response benchmarks.

Who is David Dodd and what is his statement regarding GeoVax’s vaccine platform?

David Dodd is the Chairman and CEO of GeoVax who stated that their MVA-based platform is designed to overcome the limitations of mRNA vaccines, offering broader immunity and addressing issues like antigenic shift and durability.