Intranasal vaccine: Nipping it in the bud with BBV154

Intranasal vaccine: Nipping it in the bud with BBV154

During the first year of the pandemic, the meaningful evolution of the virus was slow-paced, without any functional consequences, but since that time, we have seen a succession of important variants of concern with increasing transmissibility and immune evasion, culminating in the Omicron lineages. With that, there has been a marked falloff in the capacity for vaccinations and booster shots to block infections and transmission.

Many trials have been incorporated till now to break this chain. One such trial has spotlighted the possibility of nasal vaccines.  A less painful way to stay safe from COVID-19 is just around the corner. BBV154 by Bharat Biotech seems to be a step into the future of needle-free vaccines. BBV154 is a novel intranasal vaccine (adenovirus vector) for COVID-19, that stimulates the body’s immune system to fight the virus on all fronts possible- to produce neutralizing IgG, mucosal IgA, and mediate T cell responses, starting from the point of entry- the nose. Since it acts at the primary site, it hampers both transmissions as well as infection.

Why intranasal vaccine?

The nasal route has excellent potential for vaccination due to the organized immune systems of the nasal mucosa.

1.  Non-invasive, Needle-free.

2.  Ease of administration – does not require trained health care workers.

3.  Elimination of needle-associated risks (injuries and infections).

4.  High compliance (Ideally suits for children and adults).

5.  Scalable manufacturing – able to meet global demand.

Conclusion

Ease of administration and the non-invasive nature would definitely be the biggest factor in increasing the reach of the vaccines multifold and also the compliance from kids and adults alike. It offers the advantage of local(mucosal) and systemic response and faster onset of the immune response as the nasal mucosa is highly vascularized.

Nipping the terror of the virus with a spritz instead of a jab.