Scientists in England have tested a groundbreaking vaccine designed completely by artificial intelligence. The vaccine, called pEVAC-PS, is the first of its kind to reach human testing with an active ingredient created entirely through computer simulation rather than traditional laboratory methods.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge used machine learning to study genetic data from coronaviruses and design a special molecule called a "super-antigen." This molecule targets an entire family of viruses, including SARS-CoV-1, which caused the 2002-2004 SARS outbreak, and SARS-CoV-2, which caused the COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccine was also designed to protect against related bat coronaviruses that could potentially spread to humans in the future.
Unlike traditional vaccines that target one specific virus strain, this new approach aims at an entire family at once, including viruses that have not yet emerged. The trial involved 39 healthy volunteers aged 18-50 at two UK hospitals. The vaccine was delivered using a micro-fluid jet injector instead of a needle, pushing fluid through the skin using high pressure.
The results were encouraging. The vaccine produced no significant side effects and triggered immune responses against multiple coronaviruses simultaneously. Researchers believe this represents a major step toward creating vaccines that can protect humanity against future pandemics before they occur. A larger Phase 2 trial is already planned to test the vaccine with a more diverse population.