When countries began moving from the containment phase to the mitigation phase of the COVID pandemic, it had become clear that vaccination was one of the only realistic ways to curb the spread of the disease. Recent numbers continue to show an increase in both the number of deaths as well as daily cases, further cementing this reality. So, let's dive into the progress we've made on the vaccine front.
Cambridge:
Researchers at Cambridge University have reportedly been working on a vaccine that provides immunity against the entire family of coronaviruses. The new vaccine named ‘DIOS-CoVax2’ is based on genetic sequencing obtained from coronaviruses whose primary mode of spread is from bats to humans.
The claim remains that due to the modeling of this vaccine, not only will it be able to combat the current pandemic, but also prevent future spurts and epidemics by generating an immune response capable of keeping all coronaviruses at bay.
Vaccine development is among the highest priority research projects in the UK and has received almost 1.9 million pounds in funding. This is due to the nature of the vaccine model which makes its production very cost-effective and widespread administration relatively simple. Clinical trials for this vaccine began on August 28th and human trials are scheduled to start in the coming months.
Oxford:
The Covishield vaccine, developed in collaboration between Oxford University and pharma firms AstraZeneca and Serum Institute of India (SII) has begun phase III trials at 20 centers across India, predominantly in Pune, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
The vaccine, also referred to as ‘ChAdOx1 nCoV-19’ was developed at unprecedented speed. It uses a heavily modified version of a virus known to cause the common cold in chimpanzees. The virus has been genetically engineered and programmed to form the coronavirus’s “spike protein”, which induces an immune response when detected by the human body.
By adopting this method of development, researchers have produced a vaccine that removes any potential risk of infection while having the engineered virus resemble coronavirus so the immune system can learn how to combat it. Early clinical trials have been promising, with volunteers showing antibody and T-cell immune responses, something most effective vaccines induce, and is associated with complete protection.
SII has already begun manufacturing Covishield before the completion of trials to avoid any subsequent delay upon the hopeful approval of the vaccine. It is viewed by many, among them being the WHO’s chief scientist as the world’s leading prospect in combating COVID-19. SII is on track to produce 400 million doses of the vaccine by the end of 2020, and 1 billion vaccines in total.
The firm has partnered with Gavi- the international vaccine alliance- and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to produce 100 million doses for India and other low- and middle-income countries. This agreement has set a price ceiling of 3 USD per dose of vaccine, keeping it affordable for the people that need it most.
Operation Warp Speed:
Operation Warp Speed is a public-private partnership initiated by the Trump administration that aims to deliver 300 million doses of a safe, effective vaccine for COVID-19 by January 2021. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, this is part of a “broader strategy to accelerate the development, manufacturing, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.” (HHS, 2020)
The CDC, FDA, HHS, and NIH are coordinating with several other federal agencies and private firms to work on projects such as the NIH’s ACTIV partnership for therapeutics and vaccines, and the RADx initiative which focuses on the development of diagnostics. The current focus of the program is towards the generation, manufacturing, and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Investments made towards development include $456 million towards Johnson and Johnson’s candidate vaccine and $483 million towards Moderna’s candidate vaccine, both of which have begun Phase I trials. Another $1.2 billion has been made available to AstraZeneca’s candidate vaccine (see: Covishield), for which Phase 3 trials have begun with 30,000 volunteers in the United States.
The HHS has also made significant contributions aimed at magnifying confidence in pharma firms with regards to vaccine manufacturing. Manufacturing capacity has already been greatly ramped up and agreements with AstraZeneca, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson respectively include investments in manufacturing capabilities. $628 million has also been set aside towards a task order with Emergent BioSolutions to advance domestic manufacturing capabilities and capacity for a COVID-19 vaccine.
HHS plans to develop a tiered system for distribution that will adapt and change based on data from the first wave of the response. It also primarily focuses on the needs of the essential workforce. $138 million has been administered towards the production of pre-filled syringes by ApiJect. $204 million has also been given to Corning to ramp up production of Valor Glass vials.
Who gets it first?
The government of India is reportedly working on a ‘priority list’ to ease any tensions in the distribution of vaccines. The basis for this list will be a nationwide survey slated to occur once a vaccine is approved which aims to show how the virus spreads in different demographics.
PM Modi has stated that frontline healthcare workers must be among the first to receive it, but it remains unknown if the list will reflect his sentiments. This much is clear though; with daily cases spiking and deaths on the rise, and our healthcare system overwhelmed by the sheer number of patients, the need for a safe, effective and affordable vaccine is imperative.
Article by-
Ishan,
PES MUN Society
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