GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing vaccines and immunotherapies, announced an update to its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) on December 10, 2025. The company welcomed internationally recognized experts whose work spans vaccine design, T-cell immunology, viral pathogenesis, and immunocompromised-host medicine. This strategic expansion is designed to support GeoVax's current and future development efforts with its multi-antigen MVA vector platform for vaccines targeting biothreat pathogens and vulnerable populations, including those in low- and middle-income countries and immunocompromised patients.
The newly appointed SAB members include Dr. Alessandro Sette, Prof. Lance Turtle, Prof. Thushan I. de Silva, and Dr. Joshua A. Hill. Dr. Alessandro Sette, from the La Jolla Institute for Immunology, is an authority in T-cell epitope mapping and leads the NIH Immune Epitope Database (IEDB). His work has defined T-cell immunity across SARS-CoV-2, Mpox, and Ebola. Prof. Lance Turtle, from the University of Liverpool, specializes in viral pathogenesis and post-infection immune recovery, providing translational insights into long-term immunity and emerging pathogen preparedness. Prof. Thushan I. de Silva, from the University of Sheffield, is an expert in human viral immunology and vaccine responses, leading studies across Europe, Asia, and Africa on population-level vaccine immunity and viral evolution. Dr. Joshua A. Hill, from the University of Washington School of Medicine and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, focuses on vaccine response in immunocompromised and transplant patients, aligning with GeoVax’s emphasis on protecting high-risk populations.
David Dodd, GeoVax Chairman & CEO, commented: “By assembling this exceptional team of global experts, we are further strengthening GeoVax’s position at the forefront of vaccine innovation. Their combined experience—from antigen design to human immunology and clinical translation—perfectly aligns with our mission to deliver durable, broad-spectrum protection to both global and immunocompromised populations.” Dr. Kelly McKee, Chief Medical Officer, added: “The addition of these renowned experts ensures that our clinical strategy is guided by cutting-edge immunology insight and global research expertise. Their collaboration will be instrumental as GeoVax advances vaccines and immunotherapies designed to protect those who remain most vulnerable.” Dr. Mark Newman, Chief Scientific Officer, stated: “This expanded SAB strengthens multiple aspects of our R&D platform. With direct input from some of the world’s most respected scientific leaders, we can ensure that our vaccine and immunotherapy candidates deliver real-world impact.”
GeoVax’s lead clinical program is GEO-CM04S1, a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine currently in three Phase 2 clinical trials. The vaccine is being evaluated as a primary vaccine for immunocompromised patients, a booster in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and a durable booster among healthy patients who previously received mRNA vaccines. In oncology, GeoVax is evaluating Gedeptin®, a novel oncolytic solid tumor gene-directed therapy, which recently completed a multicenter Phase 1/2 clinical trial for advanced head and neck cancers. The company is also developing a vaccine targeting Mpox and smallpox, and based on recent EMA regulatory guidance, anticipates progressing directly to a Phase 3 clinical evaluation. More information about GeoVax’s clinical trials and updates is available at www.geovax.com.
