Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine announced today a potential vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, the new coronavirus that causes the COVID-19 pandemic. When tested in mice, it turned out that the vaccine immediately produces antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2, in quantities that are considered sufficient to neutralize the virus.
Research on this topic appeared today in EBioMedicine, published by The Lancet. Here's what new research co-author Andrea Gambotto, MD, assistant professor of surgery at Pitt School of Medicine, writes in the article:
'We already had experience with SARS-CoV in 2003 and MERS-CoV in 2014. These two viruses, closely related to SARS-CoV-2, taught us that a specific protein called a spike protein is important for inducing immunity against the virus. We knew exactly how to deal with this new virus. This is why funding vaccine research is so important. You never know where the next pandemic will start. '
Compared to the experimental candidate mRNA vaccine that has just undergone clinical trials, the vaccine described in this article, which the authors call PittCoVacc, for Pittsburgh Coronavirus Vaccine, is based on a more established approach that uses laboratory viral protein elements to create immunity. . It's like getting the flu shot.
The researchers also used a new approach to deliver the drug called a microneedle array. This array is a fingertip-sized patch of 400 tiny needles that deliver chunks of the spiky protein to the skin where the immune response is strongest. The patch goes like an adhesive plaster, and then the needles, which are made entirely of sugar and protein pieces, simply dissolve in the skin.
The scientists noted that they are proposing an original 'scratch' method. This will allow the most efficient delivery of the vaccine to the skin. They are confident that this is the most high-tech version, which is more effective and painless for the patient.
The study authors are currently in the process of applying for new drug approval from the US Food and Drug Administration. This is necessary in order to conduct human clinical trials. However, testing on patients usually takes time. In situations with other viruses, the process took at least a year. However, the situation with COVID-19 is urgent, so it is possible that the approval and funding processes will take a much shorter period of time.
