BioTech IP Review

Compositions and Methods for SARS‑CoV‑2 Vaccines

WO 2021155323 A1

Published: 2021
Assignees: Janssen Pharmaceutica NV / Johnson & Johnson
Focus: Vaccines based on recombinant adenovirus serotype 26 (Ad26) vectors encoding SARS‑CoV‑2 spike proteins for preventing or reducing COVID‑19 infection.

What This Patent Covers

This patent application claims technology centered on:

1. Recombinant Adenoviral Vectors (Ad26)
  • Human adenovirus serotype 26 vectors genetically engineered to carry nucleic acids encoding stabilized SARS‑CoV‑2 spike (S) protein sequences (including key modifications to stabilize the antigen).
  • These vectors serve as delivery vehicles that infect human host cells and express the viral spike protein to trigger an immune response.
2. Vaccine Compositions
  • Compositions and immunogenic formulations incorporating the Ad26 vector constructs for use as vaccines against COVID‑19.
  • Methods for inducing both neutralizing antibodies and T‑cell responses that can prevent infection or reduce severity of disease.
3. Methods of Vaccination
  • Methods of administering these vaccine compositions to subjects to provoke protective immunity before or after exposure to SARS‑CoV‑2.
  • Claims include the basic immunization approach using these engineered viral vectors.

Why It’s Important

1. Underpins the Ad26.COV2.S Vaccine

This invention forms the intellectual foundation of the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine, also known as Janssen COVID‑19 Vaccine (Jcovden) — the single‑dose adenoviral vector vaccine developed by J&J’s Janssen unit that received FDA emergency use authorization in early 2021 and global approvals in subsequent months.

2. Massive Public Health & Strategic Value

While the vaccine was deployed at cost in many global settings during the pandemic, it played a major role in worldwide immunization efforts, especially due to its single‑shot regimen and easier storage requirements relative to some mRNA vaccines.

3. Strong Patent Positioning

Securing claims around the composition, vector design, and vaccination method gives J&J exclusive rights to the core technology behind this critical vaccine platform, supporting ongoing use, manufacturing partnerships, and deterrence of competitive formulations.

Summary

  • Patent: WO 2021155323 A1
  • Filed/Published: 2021
  • Assignee: Janssen Pharmaceutica NV / Johnson & Johnson
  • Focus: Adenovirus (Ad26) vectored SARS‑CoV‑2 vaccines encoding spike proteins, including compositions and methods of vaccination.
  • Importance: Provides key intellectual property protection for the J&J COVID‑19 vaccine technology, one of the company’s most strategically significant biotech assets — central to its pandemic‑era contributions and advancing viral vector vaccine platforms.

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