Promising Coronavirus Vaccine Has Just Been Peer-Reviewed, Raising Hopes For Early Production

Reports on another potential coronavirus vaccine have surfaced. There is, however, a unique aspect to this one. It claims to be the first to be successfully tested by fellow scientists.

As meant for, the vaccine is able to produce antibodies that can fight off Covid-19. Tests on mice by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine delivered a positive result, generating enough antibodies to “neutralise” the virus within two weeks of injection.

The key behind this is a particular protein known as ‘spike protein’ that is able to produce immunity against Coronavirus. The idea came up from earlier such virus outbreaks, that were Sars in 2003 and Mers in 2014.

(Representative Image: Reuters)

Named PittCoVacc, the new vaccine developed uses lab-made pieces of viral protein to build immunity. The researchers also found a new way to deliver the resulting drug so as to increase its potency in the process. A patch the size of a fingertip made up of 400 tiny microneedles is applied to the skin. These micro-needles are made entirely of sugar and protein pieces. Once the patch is placed, these needles simply dissolve into the skin. It is painless and “feels kind of like Velcro,” as per study co-author Louis Falo, professor and chair of dermatology.

The researchers also claim that PittCoVacc can sit at room temperature until needed. So there is no need for refrigeration during transport or storage.

Microneedles in a finger size patch will dissolve in the skin to deliver the vaccine

Focusing on what’s unique about the study, the Pittsburgh research is the first of its kind based on a Covid-19 vaccine that has been reviewed by fellow scientists and will now be published at outside institutions.

Phase one of human clinical trials are planned to start in the next few months. But before that, the authors of the study are to apply for investigational new drug approval with the US Food and Drug Administration.

It would typically take a year or longer to conduct testing in patients as mentioned by Prof Falo. Looking at the situation though, he is hopeful that they “may be able to advance this faster.”

In other such efforts, Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson also announced that they have a "lead vaccine candidate" and will begin testing it on people in clinical studies by September. Read all about it here.

Source