MTBVAC is an acronym for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Vaccine Against Covid-19, a COVID-19 vaccine candidate developed by the Biofabri company based in Spain. The vaccine repurposes a modified live attenuated strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, as a vector to deliver antigens from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The underlying principle involves leveraging the established immunogenicity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to elicit a robust immune response against the SARS-CoV-2 antigens.
Research on MTBVAC as a potential COVID-19 vaccine has included preclinical studies and early-phase clinical trials to assess its safety and immunogenicity. The intention is to induce both cellular and humoral immune responses to provide protection against COVID-19. While MTBVAC was originally developed as a next-generation TB vaccine, its application to combat COVID-19 demonstrates the versatility of vaccine platforms and the potential to rapidly adapt existing technologies to address emerging infectious diseases. As of late 2023, development and trials continue.