In summary,
- A single dosage of the intranasal vaccination CDO-7N-1 confers permanent immunity.
- For as long as seven months, it remains steady at 4 degrees Celsius.
- Clinical trials for the vaccine are already being conducted.
Scientists believe the novel Covid-19 mucosal vaccine has the potential to revolutionize vaccine delivery.
Researchers from Griffith University published their findings in Nature Communications, investigating the efficacy of a Covid-19 vaccination injected through the nasal passages, providing a potential remedy for individuals who are afraid of needles.
This study has been under the direction of Professor Suresh Mahalingam from Griffith’s Institute for Glycomics for four years.
“This intranasal vaccine, named CDO-7N-1, is a live attenuated vaccine designed to be given through the nose, which could trigger both mucosal and systemic immunity with just a single dose,” stated Professor Mahalingam.
Strong immunological memory is produced in the nasal mucosa by the vaccination, offering protection for a year or more.
It is meant to be a one-time booster that doesn’t have any long-term or short-term negative effects, replacing needles.
Live-attenuated vaccines are well renowned for their capacity to produce robust, enduring immunity, frequently with only one dose needed.
Live-attenuated vaccinations combine the entire virus, offering greater immunity, in contrast to conventional vaccinations that only use one antigen.
The study’s principal author, Dr. Xiang Liu, stated that the vaccination can neutralize SARS-CoV-1 and provides protection against all strains of concern.
“The vaccine is highly effective in preventing transmission, reinfection, and the emergence of new variants,” stated Dr. Liu.
CDO-7N-1 develops immunity to all key SARS-CoV-2 proteins and is effective against all significant variations to date, in contrast to mRNA vaccines (like Pfizer and Moderna), which target only the spike protein.
In addition, the vaccine is particularly appropriate for low- and middle-income nations because it can be kept stable at 4 degrees Celsius for up to seven months.
Leading vaccine manufacturer Indian Immunologicals Ltd. has been granted a license to use the vaccine.
This victory represents a significant advancement in our fight against COVID-19. “We are excited about the application of codon de-optimization technology in the targeted attenuation of microorganisms for potential use as vaccine candidates,” co-author and managing director of Indian Immunologicals Ltd. Dr. K Anand Kumar expressed his enthusiasm.
“We hope to increase vaccination rates and protect more people and communities by advancing non-invasive immunization through our innovative intranasal vaccine, which has the potential to revolutionize the fight against infectious diseases,” he continued.
HOW DOES THE VACCINE WORK?
By utilizing genetic codes that are less prevalent while maintaining the same protein, codon de-optimization disables viruses. Compared to conventional virus weakening, this approach is much more effective, safe, and rapid, and it can be tailored to different virus strengths.
The clinical trials for this potential vaccine are now being conducted.
Professor Lee Smith, Acting Director of the Institute for Glycomics, stated, “Our researchers are committed to creating innovative and, most importantly, more accessible solutions to combat this impactful disease.”