
A vaccine patch.
A needle-free vaccine patch could better fight COVID-19 variants, such as Omicron and Delta, than a traditional needle vaccine according to a University of Queensland study in mice.
The research, conducted in partnership with Brisbane biotechnology company Vaxxas, tested the Hexapro SARS-CoV-2 spike vaccine using the Vaxxas high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP) technology, and the results found the patch was far more effective at neutralising COVID-19 variants.
UQ’s Dr Christopher McMillan said the vaccine patch appeared to counteract new variants more effectively than the current SARs-CoV-2 vaccine delivered by 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.”
He said the results extended further than just the Hexapro vaccine.
“So far, every vaccine type we have tested through the patch, including subunit, DNA, inactivated virus and conjugate produces superior immune responses compared to traditional needle vaccination methods,” he said.
UQ’s Dr David Muller said currently-available vaccines may not be as effective because of the constantly emerging new variants of COVID-19, and this has left researchers at a crossroads.
“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.”
Vaxxas CEO, David Hoey said this is further evidence of the game-changing potential the technology platform could have in helping nations better respond to global health emergencies, like the current and future pandemics.
“We are continuing to scale-up our manufacturing capabilities and accelerate product development in preparation for large-scale clinical trials,” he said.
“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.”
The research has been published in Vaccine.
Original Article: COVID vaccine patch fights variants better than needles
More from: University of Queensland
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Needle-free vaccine patch
- Vaxxas receives $6.4M to advance needle-free mRNA vaccines
CEPI will fund Australian medtech manufacturer Vaxxas to advance the development of its high-density microarray patch for mRNA vaccines.
- A Vaccine Patch Could Someday Be An Ouchless Option
It's the rare individual who actually looks forward to getting jabbed with a needle, even if what's in the needle ... He works on something called microneedle patches to deliver vaccines. So far, he's ...
- ‘No-needle’ COVID vaccine may protect you better, researchers say. How does it work?
Could a “no-needle” COVID-19 vaccine protect against ... The Canadian researchers hope that their needleless, “pain-free” vaccine will encourage people to get vaccinated, the release ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Needle-free vaccine patch
[google_news title=”” keyword=”needle-free vaccine patch” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Vaccine patch
- Fentanyl vaccine poised to be 'game changer' in fight against addiction
The end to the fentanyl crisis may be in sight, thanks to researchers in Texas — they say they've developed a "game changer" vaccine for addiction treatment.
- Michael Schrader: Developing Technology for the Future of Vaccines
I’m thrilled to be talking to Michael Schrader, an entrepreneur working to make the world a better place as the co-founder and CEO of Vaxess. Are you ready to be enlightened? Spiffy: Hi Michael, so ...
- A Vaccine Patch Could Someday Be An Ouchless Option
He works on something called microneedle patches to deliver vaccines. So far, he's developed patch vaccines for flu and measles, but the technology could be used for a COVID-19 vaccine as well. You do ...
- Development of mRNA vaccine patches pushed
GENEVA, Switzerland: The global epidemic innovations fund said on Tuesday it was working with a vaccine manufacturer to create a patch using mRNA technology, which would be easier to use against the ...
- Push to develop mRNA vaccine patches
The global epidemic innovations fund said Tuesday it was working with a vaccine manufacturer to create a patch using mRNA technology, which would be easier to use against COVID. The Coalition for ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Vaccine patch
[google_news title=”” keyword=”vaccine patch” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]