Publications by authors named "Ariana Safi"

Background: Despite the success of first-generation COVID-19 vaccines targeting the spike (S) protein, emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants have led to immune escape, reducing the efficacy of these vaccines. Additionally, some individuals are unable to mount an effective immune response to S protein-based vaccines. This has created a need for alternative vaccine strategies that are less susceptible to mutations and capable of providing broad and durable protection.

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Article Synopsis
  • * The vaccine was tested on various animals, including mice, rabbits, and marmoset monkeys, and showed safety and strong immune responses, including N-specific IgG and T cell responses.
  • * In infected Syrian hamsters, the vaccine reduced lung damage and virus levels, demonstrating its effectiveness and potential to complement current COVID-19 vaccines.
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Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) infection frequently causes severe and prolonged disease but only few specific treatments are available. We aimed to investigate safety and efficacy of a SARS-CoV-2-specific siRNA-peptide dendrimer formulation MIR 19® (siR-7-EM/KK-46) targeting a conserved sequence in known SARS-CoV-2 variants for treatment of COVID-19.

Methods: We conducted an open-label, randomized, controlled multicenter phase II trial (NCT05184127) evaluating safety and efficacy of inhaled siR-7-EM/KK-46 (3.

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