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In a significant development in the fight against COVID-19, a novel nasal, needle-free vaccine, CDO-7N-1, has been licensed to Hyderabad-based Indian Immunologicals. According to a new study led by researchers from Griffith University in Australia, this vaccine could prove to be a gamechanger against the virus, offering a safe and effective alternative to traditional vaccination methods.
The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, highlights the potential of this live attenuated intranasal vaccine to induce both mucosal and systemic immunity with a single dose. “CDO-7N-1 is designed to be administered intranasally, which can induce strong memory responses in the nasal mucosa, providing long-term protection for up to a year or more,” said Professor Suresh Mahalingam from Griffith’s Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, who led the research.
One of the key advantages of this vaccine, as noted by Dr. Xiang Liu, the lead author of the study, is its broad-spectrum immunity. Unlike mRNA vaccines, which primarily target the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, CDO-7N-1 induces immunity to all major SARS-CoV-2 proteins. This broad-based approach ensures potent protection against all known variants of concern, including those responsible for recent global surges.
Additionally, the vaccine has shown neutralizing capacity against SARS-CoV-1, the virus responsible for the 2002-2004 SARS outbreak, further underlining its versatility and potential as a booster vaccine.
“CDO-7N-1 offers potent protection against transmission, prevents reinfection, and reduces the spread of the virus, thereby minimizing the generation of new variants,” Dr. Liu explained. The vaccine’s stability at 4 degrees Celsius for up to seven months makes it particularly suitable for distribution in low- and middle-income countries, where cold chain logistics can be challenging.
Indian Immunologicals, known for its significant contributions to human and animal vaccine production, has already completed the necessary preliminary studies of CDO-7N-1. Dr. K. Anand Kumar, Managing Director of Indian Immunologicals, announced plans to launch clinical trials soon. “This vaccine represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to combat COVID-19, especially with the ongoing challenge of emerging variants,” Dr. Kumar stated.
As the world continues to grapple with the pandemic, the development and potential rollout of CDO-7N-1 could provide a crucial tool in global vaccination strategies, particularly in regions that have faced difficulties in achieving widespread vaccination coverage.
