The vaccine will aim to raise strong immune responses while being well tolerated. It is set to be ready in 2021 to meet potential global demand.

By mimicking the natural interaction of infectious pathogens with the immune system, the vaccine will induce a protective response. By taking a modern approach to development, AJ Vaccines hopes to achieve a high level of protection without side effects.

Jerome Cabannes, COO at AJ Vaccines, said: “Similar technologies were previously successfully applied in US FDA-approved vaccines. In short, the use of such technology is expected to induce the relevant immune responses and therefore protect against disease with a lower risk for side effects.”

AJ Vaccines has previously developed and manufactured vaccines against tetanus, diphtheria, tuberculosis and polio.

Helmuth Larsen, CEO at AJ Vaccines, said: “The impact of the COVID-19 disease globally is developing by the hour and we are committed to a world free of serious diseases across all generations. Our employees are aware of the current challenges and are dedicated to finding solutions to the COVID-19 challenge with state-of-the-art technology.”