Scientists at Tel Aviv University and the University of Lisbon have developed a groundbreaking nano-vaccine against COVID-19. The vaccine, which can be administered as a nasal spray, effectively trains the immune system against all common COVID-19 variants and is stored at room temperature, eliminating the need for ultra-cold storage.
Researchers, led by Professor Ronit Satchi-Fainaro, used their computational bioinformatics tools to identify two short amino acid sequences in the virus’s protein, which they then synthesized and encapsulated in nanoparticles. This novel approach proved effective against all major variants of COVID-19, including Beta, Delta, and Omicron.
The nano-vaccine offers several advantages over existing vaccines. It is needle-free, reducing the need for skilled personnel to administer injections and minimizing risks of contamination and sharp waste. Additionally, it can be stored at room temperature, making it more accessible in low-resource settings.
This project has received funding from various organizations, including the Israel Innovation Authority, Merck, and Spain’s “La Caixa” Foundation Impulse. The researchers are also part of a broader vaccine platform development program supported by the European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant.
The development of this nano-vaccine is a significant step forward in the fight against COVID-19. As the virus continues to evolve, it is essential to have access to effective vaccines like this one. With its needle-free and room-temperature storage capabilities, this vaccine has the potential to make a real difference in global health.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/needle-free-new-nano-vaccine-effective-against-all-covid-19-variants