Recent advancements in COVID-19 vaccines have seen developments in self-amplifying mRNA vaccines and intranasal vaccines, with trials taking place in Japan, Finland, the US, and China. These trials focus on boosting immunity and reducing adverse reactions.
Phase 3 trials for an updated version of a self-amplifying mRNA vaccine in Japan are complete. Initial phase 2 results were encouraging, as vaccines were tailored to combat recent virus variants, seeking optimal dosing and comparing immunity levels and side effects to the BNT/Pfizer vaccine. A new trial for an innovative viral vector vaccine, NB2155, in China displayed promising results in boosting mucosal immunoglobulin (sIgA). This immune boost is crucial for preventing infections.
Preclinical successes are also reported for pancoronavirus vaccines aimed at multiple viruses, including influenza and bacteria, highlighting strides toward a “universal” vaccine approach.
In Finland and the US, trials for intranasal vaccines are recruiting participants, focusing on eliciting a robust mucosal immune response. Notably, Arcturus’s self-amplifying mRNA vaccine, Kostaive, is undergoing a phase 2 trial comparing it with BNT/Pfizer’s vaccine in immunocompromised individuals in Seattle.
These advancements signify a concerted effort toward a durable, universal solution to tackle current and future coronavirus variants, potentially guiding the future landscape of vaccine development.