GeoVax Labs, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company, announced the addition of four internationally recognized experts to its Scientific Advisory Board. The new members bring expertise in vaccine immunology, T-cell science, viral pathogenesis, and immunocompromised-host medicine, positioning the company to better address global health challenges.
The strategic expansion supports GeoVax's development efforts with its multi-antigen MVA vector platform, targeting biothreat pathogens and vulnerable populations including those from low- and middle-income countries and immunocompromised patients. Future additions will also support the company's oncology immunotherapy pipeline.
Joining previously appointed Prof. Teresa Lambe from the University of Oxford are Dr. Alessandro Sette from the La Jolla Institute for Immunology, an authority in T-cell epitope mapping who leads the NIH Immune Epitope Database; Prof. Lance Turtle from the University of Liverpool, specializing in viral pathogenesis and post-infection immune recovery; Prof. Thushan I. de Silva from the University of Sheffield, an expert in human viral immunology and global immunosurveillance; and Dr. Joshua A. Hill from the University of Washington, focusing on vaccine response in immunocompromised and transplant patients.
David Dodd, GeoVax Chairman and CEO, stated that assembling this team strengthens the company's position at the forefront of vaccine innovation. Their combined experience aligns with GeoVax's mission to deliver durable, broad-spectrum protection to global and immunocompromised populations.
Dr. Kelly McKee, Chief Medical Officer, emphasized that the experts' collaboration will be instrumental as GeoVax advances vaccines and immunotherapies designed to protect vulnerable populations underserved by traditional approaches. Dr. Mark Newman, Chief Scientific Officer, noted that the expanded SAB strengthens multiple aspects of the company's research and development platform with input from respected scientific leaders.
GeoVax's lead clinical program is GEO-CM04S1, a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine currently in three Phase 2 clinical trials. The company is also developing a vaccine targeting Mpox and smallpox and anticipates progressing directly to Phase 3 clinical evaluation based on recent EMA regulatory guidance. For more information about clinical trials and updates, visit https://www.geovax.com.
This development matters because it addresses critical gaps in global vaccine equity and protection for high-risk populations. Immunocompromised patients, including those with cancer or transplant recipients, often respond poorly to conventional vaccines, leaving them vulnerable to severe infections. Similarly, populations in low- and middle-income countries frequently lack access to effective vaccines against emerging threats. By leveraging expertise in T-cell immunity, viral pathogenesis, and immunocompromised-host medicine, GeoVax aims to develop vaccines that provide broader, more durable protection where current options fall short.
The implications extend beyond immediate patient care to pandemic preparedness and global health security. Experts like Dr. Sette, who has defined T-cell immunity across SARS-CoV-2, Mpox, and Ebola, bring insights that could accelerate development of vaccines against future pathogens. Prof. de Silva's work in global immunosurveillance and vaccine responses across continents helps ensure vaccines are effective across diverse populations. For the biotechnology industry, this collaboration model demonstrates how integrating academic and clinical expertise can drive innovation in vaccine design and evaluation.
Ultimately, this strategic move could lead to more effective vaccines for those most in need, reducing health disparities and strengthening defenses against infectious diseases worldwide. As vaccine development becomes increasingly complex, leveraging specialized knowledge across immunology, clinical research, and global health is essential for creating solutions that work for all populations.
