Covid-19 vaccine: inhaled virus vaccine or injection; which is the best?

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The Covid-19 vaccine closest to the finish line is designed to be injected into the arm. Researchers are investigating whether better protection can be obtained from vaccinations that fight the virus with the nose and mouth, which are the points of attack.

Most vaccines tested by humans require two doses for efficacy, and developers are not even sure if they can prevent the infection. Scientists want an inhaled vaccine that directly targets the airway cells that the virus invades to produce a good immune response.

Alternatives to traditional jabs, sprays and inhalation vaccinations under development in the United States, United Kingdom and Hong Kong could play an important role in helping society escape the restrictions that have disrupted its economy and daily life. There is. One of their goals is to prevent pathogens from growing in the nose. The nose can spread from there to other parts of the body and to other people.

“Regional immunity is important,” he said. Francis Lund, University of Alabama at Birmingham Immunologist, Biotechnology Ultimate Inc. We are inoculating the nose in the early stages in cooperation with. “Vaccines that can be delivered to produce have several advantages over vaccines that are delivered systemically.”

Most early vaccine developers focused on injection, a familiar route that is considered the fastest way to protect the world from disease. Inhaled vaccine manufacturers rely on some of the unique features of the lungs, nose and throat that are lined with mucous membranes. This tissue contains high levels of an immune protein called IgA. Give better protection Against respiratory viruses.

Read more: Dual Influenza-Covid Nasal Spray Vaccine to Start Trials in Hong Kong

They theorize that by activating these immune weapons, SARS-CoV-2 can protect the deeper areas of the lungs that are most damaging. It may also increase the chances that the vaccine will stop the infection.

“First-generation vaccines will probably protect many people,” he said. Michael diamond, Infectious disease specialist at Washington University in St. Louis. “But the ultimate need is 2nd and 3rd generation vaccines, and I think intranasal vaccines will probably be an important factor in this. Otherwise, we are a community contagion Continue. “

In mouse research In AugustDiamond and his team found that nasal administration of the vaccine produced a strong immune response throughout the body. This approach was particularly effective in the nose and respiratory tract and prevented the infection from becoming established.India Bharat Biotech St. Louis-based Precision Virologics acquired rights to single-dose technology last month.

A vaccine Spray on nose Or inhaling has other practical benefits. They do not require needles and may not need to be stored and shipped at low temperatures, reducing the need for healthcare professionals to manage them.

Alabama-based researcher Lund said, “When you’re thinking of delivering it around the world, people don’t like injections if they don’t need to get an injectable vaccine, which improves compliance. I will do it. ” .. “But secondly, the level of expertise required to administer the vaccine varies significantly.”

Read more: Second-generation Covid vaccines are designed to impact beyond speed

Based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Ultimate will enter human testing with a nasal vaccine in the fourth quarter after a positive study in mice. Oxford University scientists and Imperial College London, whose promising shots under development at AstraZeneca Plc were designed, are also planning to study a slightly different inhaled vaccine.

Experimental vaccination in the UK, like some asthma treatments, is done through an aerosol mouthpiece. Imperial researchers have pointed out evidence that vaccination against the flu via nasal drops can protect people from illness and reduce infections. They are keen to explore whether it also applies to SARS-CoV-2. AstraZeneca manufactures the FluMist nasal spray vaccine.

Data from the inhaled Oxford vaccine study may come early in the new year, followed by imperial results in the second quarter. Robin Shattock, An infectious disease specialist at Imperial College.

“I don’t know if it will work, but if it works, it can be very important,” he said in an interview.