Efforts are in full fledge to introduce new vaccines since Corona pandemic has been the nightmare. Recently on March 4, 2022, India approved another vaccine for use in case of adolescents in the age group of 12 – 17 years . It is the fourth vaccine approved for use by center for disease standard control organzation (CDSCO) for younger population after Covaxin of Bharat Biotech, Zycov-D of Zydus, Corbevax of Biological E. It is licensed produced by Serum Institute of India after technology transfer from Novavax, a American company.
Mechanism of Action— It is the first “protein based vaccine” using nanotechnology produced from first strain of SARS-Cov-2. The Novavax candidate NVX- 2373 is a recombinant “nanoparticle” subunit protein using immune response and formulated with Novavax’ patented saponin based Matrix-M. It is the fourth category based on inducing immune response based on nanoparticle protein.
Other varieties are– Covishield of Serum Institute India and Sputnik V use viral vectors carrying spike proteins to induce antibody production. Pfizer and Moderna use m-RNA technology . ZyCov-D of Zydus pharma use plasmid based DNA technology for immunity.
The vaccine is effective in 2 to 8 degree celsius. Efficacy is around 90%. It incorporates two intramuscular doses effective for newer variants of Corona viruses including Omicron. Recently a paediatrics trial was conducted at 10 sites of India with successful results. In December 2021, DCGI in India had already approved its emergency use in adult population. It received emergency use listing (EUL) by WHO recently. The EUL approval means it meets the standards of quality, safety and efficacy. EUL is mandatory for export of of vaccine to other countries. EUL is obtained after analysis of a set of preclinical, manufacturing and phase-3 data. Recently trial in India in below 12 years also giving satisfactory results. Earlier it received emergency use authorization (EUA) in Indonesia and Phillipines.
New pioneer COVID- Nano Flu combination vaccine by Novavax–
Novavax combined its flu vaccine Nanoflu with candidate corona vaccine NVX-Cov2373 and testing in hamsters. If successful it will be an shot in the arm. In trial it produced antibodies against both flu and Corona viruses at par with the level of antibodies produced with each vaccine given separately. Human trial is awaited. Successful human trial will be a milestone achievement by the Novavax company.
Well, the world got another weapon to fight against the deadly corona virus. Lets pray the almighy, very soon Corona will be a history not to refresh in our memory.
