UK scientists develop ‘world-first’ AI-designed vaccine

Scientists in the United Kingdom have reportedly developed the world’s first vaccine designed entirely by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The vaccine has been created to protect people from many types of corona viruses, including COVID-19 variants and possible future coronavirus outbreaks.

Unlike traditional vaccines, which are based on a specific virus strain, this vaccine was created after AI analysed genetic information from many different coronaviruses, as per reports.

The AI then designed an antigen that could offer broader protection, even if the viruses mutate or spread from animals to humans. This is the first time an AI-designed antigen has been tested in humans. Early trials reportedly involving 39 volunteers showed that the vaccine was safe. A larger study with around 200 participants is now underway to better understand how well it strengthens the immune system.

Professor Jonathan Heeney of the University of Cambridge reportedly said the project aims to stay ahead of future outbreaks instead of constantly reacting to new virus variants. He described it as a major change in pandemic preparedness. 

The Cambridge team are already performing animal research on universal seasonal flu vaccines that would not need to be adapted every year and an H5N1-bird flu vaccine, in case the virus that is currently devastating bird populations became a human pandemic.