Scientists: Spray vaccine shows promising results. It works on all variants of SARS-CoV-2

The bacteriophage-based COVID-19 vaccine – administered into the nose – in studies in mice triggered a broad immune response and provided complete protection, according to US researchers. It works on different variants.

According to scientists from the Catholic University of America, the vaccines against COVID-19 currently available are highly effective, but do not create immunity in the mucous membranes that the virus comes into contact with in the first place.

These researchers, together with colleagues at the University of Texas, have developed a bacteriophage-based vaccine that causes this reaction, and has other advantages – it is administered in the nose and does not contain adjuvants.

In experiments on mice, its application twice, 21 days apart, caused a strong immune response in the mucous membranes, in addition to strong general immunity – cellular and humoral (based on antibodies).

All the responses of the mice organisms were stronger than after administration of the standard injectable formulation. The mice became completely immune to the infection.

The preparation contains antigens immunizing against various variants of the virus and can be stored even at room temperature.

“When administered intranasally, the vaccine causes strong immunity in the mucous membranes in mice – in addition to a strong humoral and antibody-based response. It provides complete protection and sterilizing resistance against various variants of SARS-CoV-2 ”- emphasize its creators.

“This modular, needle-free, T4-based vaccine delivery platform is an excellent candidate for the development of mucosal-active vaccines against respiratory infections and for use in emergency situations of epidemic and pandemic pathogens,” the researchers add.