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Indian Immunologicals and Griffith University have developed a live-attenuated intra-nasal COVID-19
COVID-19 : HYDERABAD Indian Immunologicals (IIL) announced on Tuesday that it has created a live-attenuated intra-nasal booster vaccine for SARS-CoV-2, developed in partnership with Griffith University in Australia.
A study titled “A Single-Dose Intranasal Live-Attenuated Codon Deoptimized Vaccine Provides Broad Protection Against SARS-CoV-2 and Its Variants” has been published in the esteemed science journal Nature Communications on August 26, 2024.
The research highlights the effectiveness of the new vaccine developed by Indian Immunologicals (IIL) in collaboration with Griffith University. This live-attenuated intranasal booster vaccine is designed to offer comprehensive protection against SARS-CoV-2 and its various strains. The study underscores the potential of this vaccine in the ongoing fight against COVID-19.
Indian Immunologicals (IIL) highlighted that live attenuated vaccines are known for generating a strong and broad-spectrum neutralizing antibody response. Their new needle-free intra-nasal COVID-19 booster vaccine, developed using codon deoptimization technology has shown “remarkable stability and maintained safety” in extensive animal studies.
IIL emphasized that the ongoing threat of COVID-19 remains significant with fatalities continuing to be reported globally.
In light of this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has advised individuals at risk to stay up-to-date with their vaccinations, including receiving booster shots. This recommendation underscores the importance of continued vigilance and protection against the virus.
IIL Managing Director Dr. K. Anand Kumar stated that the development of this vaccine showcases IIL’s ability to embrace innovative technology. He expressed enthusiasm for codon deoptimization technology and its application in precisely attenuating microorganisms for use as vaccine candidates. Dr. Kumar also noted that this vaccine is set to transform the battle against infectious diseases, highlighting its potential to make a significant impact in improving public health.
IIL develops live-attenuated, needle-free intranasal Covid-19 vaccine
Dr. Priyabrata Pattnaik, Deputy Managing Director of Indian Immunologicals Limited, remarked, “This vaccine exemplifies the successful collaboration between industry and academia, turning concepts into practical solutions for public benefit. Our R&D team has invested substantial effort into developing this innovative vaccine, and we are proud of its demonstrated safety and efficacy. With just a single dose, it effectively generates a protective immune response, showcasing the dedication and expertise of our team in advancing public health.
The company stated that complete guidance on attenuation methods is well established, and the attenuated virus is anticipated to display all the antigens, effectively mimicking a natural infection.
IIL noted that, among various vaccine formats, live attenuated vaccines are renowned for producing a strong and wide-ranging neutralizing antibody response. The company also highlighted that their needle-free nasal booster vaccine has shown significant stability and safety in extensive animal studies.
IIL emphasized that the threat of COVID-19 is still present, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting that the virus continues to cause around 1,700 deaths per week worldwide. The WHO has advised individuals at risk to stay up-to-date with their vaccinations and receive booster shots to ensure ongoing protection against the virus.
In 2022, Bharat Biotech developed an intranasal vaccine called iNCOVACC, which was approved as a mix-and-match (heterologous) booster dose. The Union Health Minister officially launched this vaccine in January 2023. iNCOVACC is a recombinant adenovirus-vectored vaccine, designed to be administered intranasally via nasal drops. This innovative formulation uses a flu virus vector to deliver the vaccine, offering a new method for boosting immunity against COVID-19.
We are excited about codon deoptimization technology and its potential for the targeted attenuation of microorganisms, which can be used as vaccine candidates.
He added that their vaccine will enable non-invasive immunization and aims to improve vaccination rates, ultimately protecting more individuals and communities.
Established by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in 1982, Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) operates multiple GMP-certified manufacturing facilities and exports products to over 60 countries. The company has introduced a range of animal and human vaccines to the Indian market. Currently, IIL is actively developing a dengue vaccine, with plans to launch it by 2026.
COVID-19 cases are on the rise globally. In mid-August, the WHO reported that the SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate increased from 7.4% to 13% over a four-week period, from June 24 to July 21, across 85 countries.
HOW DOES THE VACCINE WORK?
Codon deoptimization weakens viruses by using less common genetic codes while preserving the protein’s function. This approach is more efficient, safer, and faster than traditional methods of virus attenuation, and it can be precisely adjusted for different levels of potency. The vaccine candidate utilizing this technology is now progressing to clinical trials.
Professor Lee Smith, Acting Director of the Institute for Glycomics, stated, “Our researchers are dedicated to developing innovative and, most importantly, more accessible solutions to fight this significant disease.
Indian Immunologicals develops intranasal vaccine for COVID-19
On Tuesday, Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) announced the introduction of a live-attenuated, needle-free intra-nasal booster vaccine for COVID-19. According to the company’s press release, this vaccine was developed using codon deoptimization technology in collaboration with Griffith University in Australia.
The results demonstrating the vaccine’s effectiveness were published in Nature Communications on Monday.
The threat from COVID-19 persists, with the virus continuing to cause approximately 1,700 deaths per week globally. The World Health Organization urges individuals at risk to stay current with their vaccinations and receive booster shots to ensure ongoing protection.
Among various vaccine types, live attenuated vaccines are known for producing a strong and wide-ranging neutralizing antibody response. Indian Immunologicals Limited’s needle-free intra-nasal booster vaccine for SARS-CoV-2, developed using codon deoptimization technology, has shown exceptional stability and safety in extensive animal studies.
The company explained that codon deoptimization involves reducing the frequency of less common codon pairs, which are genetic determinants for amino acids, without altering the amino acid sequences. This highly efficient virus attenuation strategy uses suboptimal codon pairs to weaken recoded viruses. The method is effective for attenuating nearly all types of viruses.
This achievement marks a significant advancement in our fight against COVID-19. The development of this vaccine underscores our commitment to public health innovation and showcases IIL’s ability to embrace cutting-edge technology.
Dr. K. Anand Kumar, Managing Director of Indian Immunologicals Limited, expressed excitement about codon deoptimization technology and its application in precisely attenuating microorganisms for use as vaccine candidates.
He highlighted that their innovative intranasal vaccine is set to transform the fight against infectious diseases. By enabling non-invasive immunization, this vaccine aims to significantly improve vaccination rates, ultimately protecting more individuals and communities. Dr. Kumar emphasized that the adoption of such advanced technology reflects their commitment to pioneering solutions in public health, demonstrating IIL’s dedication to advancing the effectiveness and accessibility of vaccines.