Common Cold- So common, so annoying; running nose, scratchy throat and nonstop sneezing. But looks like we can finally put an end to this, thanks to the Danish biotech- Bavarian Nordic.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated an RSV vaccine as a high-priority target. The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the perpetrators of the common cold. For most, this means a few uncomfortable days or weeks, but for children and the elderly, the virus can be lethal. And Bavarian Nordic is developing a vaccine that could put an end to this issue.
The vaccine has been proven to put up strong defense against 5 different RSV proteins, through its ongoing Phase II trial that was tested on adults older than 55 for MVA-BN RSV, a universal vaccine for both A and B RSV subtypes.
The biotechs’ study, with a 421-patient cohort, revealed that those who received vaccination produced 2 to 4 more antibodies and 5 to 10 times stronger T cell responses against the viral proteins than the placebo.
The researchers maintained the same response after 3 months, a
nd are now testing 6-month sample; after which they plan to evaluate the effects of a second shot.Its result data has shown a great deal of promise by exhibiting strong immunological response to 5 proteins in a single shot- way more than any of its counterparts from other competing companies.
In spite of high competition, the company could still zoom past the others in the race as all of the competitors are focusing on children, and not elderly patients, which could lead to a monopoly. But it needs to watch out for CureVac, which is now conducting preclinical trials with an mRNA-based vaccine with similar targets.
