by New Platforms for Vaccine Development
Messenger RNA Vaccines
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines are one of the most promising new vaccine platforms. mRNA vaccines work by instructing our cells to make harmless pieces of “spike protein” that viruses and bacteria use to enter cells. When our immune system detects these foreign spike proteins, it learns to recognize and fight the real virus or bacteria if exposed in the future. Moderna and Pfizer utilized this new mRNA technology in their COVID-19 vaccines which have proven to be safe and highly effective. Researchers are now exploring using mRNA vaccines to prevent infections like HIV, influenza, Zika, rabies and cytomegalovirus. The ability to rapidly design and manufacture mRNA vaccines offers hope that we can more quickly respond to new pandemic threats.
Plant-Based Vaccine Production
Plants provide an inexpensive and scalable platform for Vaccine Technologies. Plant-made vaccines avoid the need for expensive fermentation facilities and can more easily reach remote populations. Many plant species including tobacco, potatoes, carrots and lettuce have been explored for oral, injection or intranasal delivery of candidate vaccines. Plant-based flu shot and cholera vaccines have shown promise in clinical trials. Other pathogens under investigation using plant platforms include HIV, Ebola, tuberculosis, hepatitis C and norovirus. Challenges remain around generating sufficient immune response from edible plant vaccines but the technology continues advancing.
Virus-Like Particle Vaccine Technologies
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are non-infectious mimics of viruses that are formed by self-assembly of viral structural proteins. VLP vaccines present the native conformation of viral antigens to the immune system and induce protective antibodies without containing the viral genome. VLP vaccines have been developed for infections like HPV, hepatitis B and norovirus. Efforts are underway to create VLP vaccines for diseases including HIV, Ebola, malaria and tuberculosis. VLPs can be engineered to present antigens from multiple pathogens, offering potential for combination or pan-pathogen vaccines.
Microneedle Patches
Microneedle patches containing dry-coated or encapsulated antigens provide a painless alternative to hypodermic needles for Vaccine Technologies delivery through the skin. The shallow depth of microneedles allows targeting of abundant immune cells in the skin to stimulate protective responses. Self-administrable microneedle patches for flu, polio, hepatitis B, rotavirus and other vaccines have been tested in clinical trials with good tolerability and immunogenicity. This novel delivery system could improve vaccination programs globally by facilitating easy, low-cost, stable administration without needing trained healthcare workers.
Nanoparticle Vaccine Delivery
Encapsulating antigens within biodegradable nanoparticles can protect them from degradation and target delivery to immune cells. This enhances the immune response and reduces needed antigen amounts. Nanoparticle delivery systems under study include polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, viral-like particles and inorganic nanoparticles. Nanoparticle vaccines for influenza, streptococcus pneumoniae and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have shown benefit in animal testing. Combining antigens from multiple pathogens into one nanoparticle formulation may enable broad protection with fewer doses.
Oral and Intranasal Delivery
Non-invasive oral or intranasal delivery of vaccines could bypass issues of needle-phobia and allow self-administration outside of healthcare settings. Challenges include protecting antigens from degradation in the gastrointestinal tract or potent immune cells in the nasal cavity. Advances in enteric-coating, particulate formulations, and mucosal adjuvants aim to achieve sufficient immune response through alternative routes. Oral rotavirus and cholera vaccines have been successfully developed. Intranasal vaccines against influenza are also in development. Further optimization of oral and intranasal delivery options could significantly enhance global access to important vaccines.
Thermostable Vaccine Technologies
Many existing vaccines are heat labile and require expensive cold-chain storage and transportation, limiting access in remote and low-resource areas. Novel cryoprotectants, thermostabilizing excipients, and thermal-resistant manufacturing techniques seek to develop vaccines which can withstand elevated temperatures without losing potency. Lyophilization using trehalose and other excipients has enabled heat-stable versions of meningococcal conjugate and rotavirus vaccines. Thermostable oral polio and rubella vaccines have also been developed. Continued work aims to stabilize more traditional and next-generation vaccines to ambient temperatures above 40°C, improving vaccine availability worldwide.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Money Singh
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. LinkedIn Profile
