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
- Needle-free vaccine patches coming soon
Effective vaccines, without a needle: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have doubled down on efforts to create patches that deliver life-saving drugs painlessly to the skin ...
- Needle-Free Vaccines: Leading Innovation in Drug Delivery
Experts discuss alternative administration roots and why they matter. Megan Livingston, Vice President of Business Development, Jurata Thin Film Inc. Gunilla B. Jacobson, Director of Translational ...
- Epidermal immunization by a needle-free powder delivery technology: Immunogenicity of influenza vaccine and protection in mice
To compare EI with needle injection through these conventional routes, we used a formalin-inactivated Aichi/68 influenza virus to immunize BALB/c mice (n = 8 per group). For EI, the vaccine was ...
- microneedle patch
On tests involving pig skin, the MNPs were capable of penetrating the skin and delivering the vaccine contained in the needles. Produced patches were shown to be shelf-stable for at least six ...
- Nurses News
AASLD 2023 Novel Agent Seladelpar Improves Markers of PBC Activity For 1 in 4 patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) who received the investigational PPAR-delta agonist, alkaline ...
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
- What is the skin cancer vaccine undergoing trials?
The vaccine helps his immune system to recognise and remove any ... s coming to them … The patients are really excited about them.” A change to a previous patch of normal skin According to the NHS, ...
- Hypersensitivity Reactions to Vaccine Components
[30] Patch testing with the whole vaccine, as well as with its individual components in standardized concentrations and vehicles, was performed on the skin after resolution of the reaction.
- Vaccines News
Mar. 12, 2024 — Researchers have highlighted the importance of continued surveillance of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and vaccine performance as the virus continues to ... Optimizing Boosters ...
- British man tests first personalised melanoma vaccine
Steve Young, 52, from Stevenage, Herts, who had a melanoma growth cut out of his scalp last August, is one of the first patients to try the shot. It is designed to help his immune system recognise and ...
- Malaria is still killing people in Kenya, but a vaccine and local drug production may help
Parts of Kenya participated in an important pilot of the world’s first malaria vaccine, with a reported drop in deaths for children under 5. Kenya’s health ministry hasn’t said when the vaccine will ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Vaccine patch
[google_news title=”” keyword=”vaccine patch” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]