Listen to Story The new Covid-19 mucosal vaccine could be a game-changer in the way vaccines are delivered, according to scientists. Offering a solution for those who fear needles, researchers from Griffith University, published their findings in Nature Communications , exploring the effectiveness of a Covid-19 vaccine administered through the nasal passages. Professor Suresh Mahalingam from Griffith's Institute for Glycomics has led this research for four years.
"This intranasal vaccine, named CDO-7N-1, is a live attenuated vaccine designed to be given through the nose, which could trigger both mucosal and systemic immunity with just a single dose," said Professor Mahalingam. The vaccine generates strong immune memory in the nasal mucosa , providing protection for up to a year or longer. It’s intended to be a single-dose booster, an alternative to needles, without short- or long-term side effects.
Live-attenuated vaccines are known for their ability to induce strong, long-lasting immunity, often requiring just one dose. Unlike other vaccines that use a single antigen, live-attenuated vaccines incorporate the entire virus , providing broader immunity. Dr Xiang Liu, the lead author of the study, noted that the vaccine offers protection against all variants of concern and can neutralise SARS-CoV-1.
"The vaccine is highly effective in preventing transmission, reinfection, and the emergence of new variants," said Dr Liu. Unlike mRNA vaccines (like Pfizer and Moderna), which target only the spike protein, CDO-7N-1 induces immunity to all major SARS-CoV-2 proteins and is effective against all major variants to date. Besides this, the vaccine remains stable at 4 degrees Celsius for up to seven months, making it particularly suitable for low-and-middle-income countries.
The vaccine has been licensed to Indian Immunologicals Ltd, a leading vaccine manufacturer. "This accomplishment signifies a major step forward in our battle against COVID-19. We are enthusiastic about the codon de-optimization technology, and it’s use in targeted attenuation of microorganisms to be used as vaccine candidate," said Dr K Anand Kumar, co-author and Managing Director of Indian Immunologicals Ltd.
He added, "Our pioneering intranasal vaccine is poised to revolutionise the fight against infectious diseases, and by facilitating non-invasive immunisation, we aim to enhance vaccination rates, ultimately safeguarding more individuals and communities." HOW DOES THE VACCINE WORK? Codon de-optimization weakens viruses by using less common genetic codes while keeping the protein the same. This method is very efficient, safe, and quick compared to traditional virus weakening, and can be adjusted to varying levels of strength.
This vaccine candidate is now advancing to the clinical trials. "Our researchers are committed to creating innovative and, most importantly, more accessible solutions to combat this impactful disease," said Professor Lee Smith, Acting Director of the Institute for Glycomics..
