SolaVAX (Coronavirus Vaccine) / Colorado State University - LARVOL DELTA

Dose-Dependent Efficacy of a Riboflavin and Ultraviolet Light-Inactivated Whole-Virion SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine in a Hamster Infection Challenge Model. (PubMed, Vaccines (Basel)) - "Here, we utilized the same animal model to evaluate the dose response to the vaccine candidate in combination with the adjuvant CpG1018. Flow cytometry revealed enhanced CD4+ Th1-biased responses in higher-dose groups. These findings demonstrate the protective efficacy of the SolaVAX SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate and support further evaluation of this vaccine production platform."

Journal • Preclinical • Infectious Disease • Novel Coronavirus Disease • Respiratory Diseases • CD4

A Whole Virion Vaccine for COVID-19 Produced via a Novel Inactivation Method and Preliminary Demonstration of Efficacy in an Animal Challenge Model. (PubMed, Vaccines (Basel)) - "We report on the use of a novel method (SolaVAX) for production of an inactivated vaccine candidate and the testing of that candidate in a hamster animal model for its ability to prevent infection upon challenge with SARS-CoV-2 virus...This data may have utility in the development of effective vaccine candidates broadly. Furthermore, the results of this preliminary evaluation suggest that preparation of a whole virion vaccine for COVID-19 using this specific photochemical method may have potential utility in the preparation of one such vaccine candidate."

Journal • Immunology • Infectious Disease • Novel Coronavirus Disease • Respiratory Diseases

[VIRTUAL] Implementation of a pharmacy student-led mentorship program for undergraduate students (ASHP 2020) - "Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this program has been virtual in nature... In a small cohort of pharmacy student mentors and pre-pharmacy mentees, this novel mentorship initiative had an overall positive impact on both groups of students. Mentors overall indicated improved mentorship and leadership skills. Mentees gained interest, knowledge, and confidence in applying to pharmacy school."

Infectious Disease • Novel Coronavirus Disease • Respiratory Diseases

[VIRTUAL] A Virtual Reality Framework to Study the Neural Correlates of Déjà Vu (AES 2020) - "The acquisition of patient and subject data has been delayed by COVID-19... While similar methods for eliciting déjà vu using the Gestalt familiarity hypothesis have been tested in the past, this task combines modern advancements in VR and eye-tracking technology to develop a more robust and ecologically valid framework for studying déjà vu. We will be able to evaluate this approach to eliciting déjà vu by examining activity in the perirhinal area and hippocampus, comparing this to experiences elicited by stimulation of the perirhinal area and superior temporal gyrus as has been previously described. Due to the task’s multi-platform versatility, it will likely be very useful in understanding the experience of dèjà vu in both clinical and non-clinical populations."

Cardiovascular • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy • Infectious Disease • Novel Coronavirus Disease

NoCo-CoBio: Northern Colorado COVID-19 Biobank (clinicaltrials.gov) - P; N=200; Enrolling by invitation; Sponsor: Colorado State University

Clinical • New trial • Infectious Disease • Novel Coronavirus Disease

[VIRTUAL] Familial Cluster of COVID-19 Cases Associated with High Prevalence of Anosmia, Ageusia, and Gastrointestinal Symptoms (IDWeek 2020) - "This frequency of GI symptoms is high relative to currently available epidemiological reports, which also infrequently report on sensory symptoms. The mechanistic underpinnings of GI and sensory symptoms in COVID-19 warrant close consideration and analysis, especially as it relates to reducing disease transmission. COVID-19 exhibits wide variation in duration, severity, and progression of symptoms, even within a familial cluster."

Clinical • Infectious Disease • Novel Coronavirus Disease