This needle-free vaccine fights Covid variants better than traditional ones

Due to the constantly emerging new Covid-19 variants, the currently available vaccines may not be as effective

vaccination
BS Web Team
2 min read Last Updated : Aug 01 2022 | 10:22 PM IST
The ones refraining from taking a Covid jab fearing the needle can breathe in some relief as researchers have now developed a needle-free vaccine patch that could fight Covid-19 better than a traditional needle vaccine.

A study by University of Queensland, conducted in partnership with Brisbane biotechnology company Vaxxas, in mice using the Vaxxas high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP), stated that the Hexapro SARS-CoV-2 spike vaccine patch can neutralise the Covid-19 variants such as Omicron and Delta far more effectively.

Dr Christopher McMillan of the University of Queensland in the UQ Newsletter said that the Hexapro vaccine patch appeared to fight the new variants more effectively than the current SARs-CoV-2 vaccine given through injection.

“The high-density microarray patch is a vaccine delivery platform that precisely delivers the vaccine into the layers of the skin which are rich in immune cells,” Dr McMillan said.

"We found that vaccination via a patch was approximately 11 times more effective at combatting the Omicron variant when compared with the same vaccine administered via a needle."

Due to the constantly emerging new Covid-19 variants, the currently available vaccines may not be as effective, leaving the researchers at crossroads.

Also Read: Data story: India records 16,464 new Covid cases, death toll at 526,396

“This decreased effectiveness was highlighted by the Omicron variant, which contains over 30 mutations in the spike protein,” Dr Muller said.

“The large number of mutations have given the virus the ability to evade the immune responses generated by the current vaccines.”

“However, the patch technology has the potential to offer a new – and more effective – weapon in our arsenal, at a time where new variants are mutating at a rapid rate.

“The patches are not only more effective against emerging variants but are also far easier to administer than needle-based vaccines.

“But, it is important to stress that existing vaccines are still an effective way of combatting serious illness and disease from this virus and it is not the time to drop our guard.”

The CEO of Vaxxas, David Hoey said, “we are continuing to scale-up our manufacturing capabilities and accelerate product development in preparation for large-scale clinical trials.”

“This includes construction of our first manufacturing facility in Brisbane to support the transition to commercialising of our HD-MAP vaccine candidates, including a Hexapro COVID-19 patch.”

One subscription. Two world-class reads.

Already subscribed? Log in

Subscribe to read the full story →
Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Quarterly Starter

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

Save 46%

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Access to Exclusive Premium Stories Online

  • Over 30 behind the paywall stories daily, handpicked by our editors for subscribers

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

Topics :CoronavirusCoronavirus VaccineCoronavirus TestsIndia vaccinationcoronaVaccineHealthcare sectorPublic health careIndian healthcare

Next Story