Gennova has developed two mRNA-based vaccines against COVID-19 – GEMCOVAC®-19 and GEMCOVAC®-OM, which has been approved for Restricted Use in Emergency Situation. These vaccines are India’s first mRNA vaccine and the world’s first thermostable mRNA vaccine against COVID-19.
The prototype mRNA vaccine, GEMCOVAC®-19 is developed against the spike protein of Wuhan strain, while GEMCOVAC®-OM is Omicron-specific. GEMCOVAC®-OM can be administered as a booster in participants who have received two doses of COVISHIELD™ or COVAXIN® as their primary vaccination.
GEMCOVAC®-OM produces neutralizing antibodies against the Omicron (sublineage BA.1) spike protein which prevents COVID-19 infection and generates cellular response leading to long-term immunity. GEMCOVAC®-OM is lyophilized and stable at 2 – 8 °C. it requires low dose and is administered intradermally via a needle-free device called Tropis®, developed by PharmaJet.
ETHealthWorld • September 21, 2022, 06:23 IST
mRNA can be used to create practically any protein in the body: antigen against which antibodies can be developed, growth factors, enzymes for rare diseases, host-specific proteins, etc.
The establishment of the ‘mRNA-based platform technology’ could be an important tool for developing variant- proof, safe and effective vaccines. mRNA vaccines do not contain live virus and carry no risk of causing disease in the vaccinated person thus making it suitable for people with compromised immune systems.
mRNA-based vaccines are the ideal choice because of their rapid development and production timeline. mRNA vaccines are considered safe as mRNA is non infectious, non integrating in nature, and is degraded by standard cellular mechanisms. They are highly efficacious because of their inherent capability of being translated into proteins. Additionally, mRNA vaccines are fully synthetic and do not require a host for growth, e.g., eggs or bacteria. Therefore, they can be quickly manufactured in a cost effective manner under cGMP conditions to ensure their “availability” and “accessibility” for mass vaccination on a sustainable basis. These vaccines are safe as mRNA is non-infectious, non- integrating in nature, and degraded by normal cellular mechanisms.
MoneyControl • JUNE 29, 2022, 02:38 PM IST
ETHealthWorld • June 29, 2022, 13:09 IST
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