‘Our data shows that all formulations of Mynvax tested, resulted in antibodies capable of consistent and effective neutralisation of the Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern…’
Researchers from Australia and India have said that they are ‘one step closer’ to developing a ‘warm’ covid-19 vaccine which is suitable for locations lacking access to cold storage supply chains.
Scientists from CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, have been able to evaluate a heat tolerant covid-19 vaccine formulation which has been developed at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Mynvax, a biotech start-up. Publishing their work in the journal ACS Infectious Diseases, the researchers showed that the vaccine formulations triggered a strong immune response in mice, protected hamsters from the virus and remained stable at 37oC for up to a month and at 100oC for up to 90 minutes. Most vaccines require refrigeration to remain effective.
CSIRO researchers were able to assess the blood of vaccinated mice for efficacy against key coronavirus variants, including the Delta variant which is spreading globally. Dr S.S. Vasan CSIRO’s COVID-19 project leader and co-author said that mice vaccinated with the Mynvax vaccine had a strong response to all variants of the live virus.
‘Our data shows that all formulations of Mynvax tested, resulted in antibodies capable of consistent and effective neutralisation of the Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern,’ Dr Vasan said. CSIRO’s evaluation of the different Mynvax formulations will support selection of the most suitable candidate for planned human clinical trials in India later this year.
Dr Rob Grenfell, CSIRO’s Health and Biosecurity, Director added ‘A thermostable or ‘warm vaccine’ is critical for remote or resource-limited locations with extremely hot climates which lack reliable cold storage supply chains, including regional communities un Australia’s outback and the Indo-Pacific region.’
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