New Nasal COVID Vaccine Shows High Immunity in Animal Tests: Japan

A new type of coronavirus vaccine administered nasally has proven highly effective in animal trials, researchers at the University of Tokyo Pandemic Preparedness, Infection and Advanced Research Center (UTOPIA) have announced, Ryo Watanabe reported for Mainichi Japan.

When administered nasally to mice, the vaccine successfully triggered immune responses in the mucous membranes of both the nasal cavity and the lungs.

The research team, including UTOPIA Director Yoshihiro Kawaoka, claims that in addition to preventing serious illness, the nasal vaccine is expected to reduce the spread of infection by inhibiting viral growth in the nasal cavity.

Since the global outbreak of COVID-19, messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines containing genetic instructions have been widely used.

However, there is ongoing demand for vaccines that enhance immunity, specifically in areas where infection begins, such as the upper respiratory tract, and that can reduce transmission even after exposure.

The team developed viruses using genetic material from which the genes required to form complete viral particles were removed. Inside human and animal cells, these engineered viruses produce proteins necessary for immunity.

Because they lack the components needed to form or replicate the virus, there is no risk of them spreading.

When administered nasally to mice, the vaccine successfully triggered immune responses in the mucous membranes of both the nasal cavity and the lungs. Compared to mRNA vaccines, the new nasal vaccine reportedly achieves broader immunity coverage in the lungs.