A Groundbreaking Needle-free Covid Vaccine
In a major development in the global fight against Covid-19, Indian Immunologicals Ltd in partnership with Australian researchers have created an innovative intranasal booster vaccine that does not require injections. Utilizing codon deoptimization technology to mimic natural infection without risk of harm, this live-attenuated vaccine is delivered through the nose rather than by needle.
Speaking about the achievement, K Anand Kumar, MD of IIL said “This shows our commitment to advancing public health through novel solutions.” He explained that the non-invasive delivery method could increase vaccination uptake which is critical to protect more people.
According to medical experts, the vaccine induces antibody responses similar to real viral exposure through mucosal and systemic immunity. Dr. Manisha Arora from CK Birla Hospital noted this dual protection may safeguard against infection at the entry point as well as overall. Only requiring one dose for up to a year of protection, wider coverage is possible including those wary of needles.
Ongoing trials continue to evaluate the vaccine's safety and efficacy. However, its potential for broad, comfortable protection without needles presents an important option. As Covid-19 still causes over 1,700 weekly deaths globally, innovations like this intranasal booster demonstrate the ongoing efforts to curb the pandemic through new vaccination technologies. Continued research seeks to offer additional layers of defense against this very serious virus.
