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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsZyCoV-D is a COVID-19 DNA vaccine 'that doesn't need to be injected': Professor Luke O'Neill
Indian scientists have developed a new DNA vaccine against COVID-19 that doesn't need to be injected, Professor Luke O'Neill says.
Last month, authorities in India approved the use of ZyCoV-D - a 'needle-free' vaccine developed by the pharmaceutical firm Zydus Cadila.
The vaccine contains strands of DNA known as plasmids, which helps the body create the spike protein needed to combat coronavirus.
It's administered through the skin using a special device, as opposed to the traditional vaccination method of injection into the upper arm muscle.
An article in Nature explains that the device is pressed against the skin and "creates a fine, high-pressure stream of fluid that punctures the surface and is less painful than an injection".
A large-scale trial showed the vaccine had an efficacy of over 66% for symptomatic cases of COVID-19.
The three-dose vaccine is the first DNA vaccine to be approved for use anywhere in the world - not just for COVID-19, but for any virus.
It's not alone, however, as several other DNA vaccines against COVID are also being trialled.
Like other vaccine breakthroughs during the pandemic, it's also hoped the technology in question could be used against other viruses in the future.
Professor O'Neill - professor of biochemistry at Trinity College - told The Pat Kenny Show that DNA vaccines were being developed before COVID came along.
He said: Weve always thought DNA vaccines might be useful.
Youre using the DNA molecule. You inject DNA into someone - that makes the RNA, and the RNA then makes the spike and you make an immune response. Of course, the RNA cuts out the DNA - thats what the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are.
But DNA was always a prospect - its much more stable, its easier to store, and you dont need to use a needle. You can get this DNA into your skin using a high-pressure device."
He said ZyCoV-D is made by a "very reputable" company, and the lack of injection could be a significant development for people who aren't comfortable with needles.
He suggested: If that gains traction, people would prefer not to be injected - some would anyway.
"Theyve now, you might say, cracked the DNA technology to get another type of vaccine.
"It gives us yet another type of vaccine to use against COVID.
harumph
(1,871 posts)OnDoutside
(19,908 posts)Midnight Writer
(21,548 posts)Wounded Bear
(58,440 posts)Line us up, walk us through, an air gun on each side. Blast away.
Guys were walking away bleeding, because if the shooter is just a bit off on his aim, it tears a bigger hole than any needle would.
Not as bad in single use, I guess, and not the rapid fire way we got shots sometimes. But still, I don't see the air gun as much of an improvement.
global1
(25,168 posts)a 'nasal dosage form".
This to me made sense from the moment I saw it as it was a painless way to administer the vaccine and it could be self administered.
I'm surprised that these vaccine makers didn't work on a "nasal dosage form".
In my mind - it would have been more acceptable right from the start; easily available and easily distributed.
I'm still hoping that if we have to have a yearly booster of a Covid vaccine - that someone develop a 'nasal dosage form".
Maru Kitteh
(28,303 posts)that would be very problematic to say the least. I know you know this, but it bears remembering that "Contagion" is just a movie.
It's not that they haven't thought of trying to make it more stable, less painful, etc, etc so on. It's that effectiveness is paramount when facing such a formidable foe.
Hugin
(32,778 posts)The first being a DNA vaccine for the 'rona. Offhand, I have no problem with it and if it gets more people vaccinated. A good thing.
The pushing through the skin with a burst of pressure or a carrier solvent, however. I find problematic and is not inherent to the vaccine itself. The idea has been around for awhile and other technologies have been created.
Always, in the past, it was found that unknown contaminants in and on the skin have been pushed or carried through the protective layer along with the intended solution.
I know this does happen with needles, too. But, needles seem to not cause as much of a danger because they involve a much smaller area of the skin's surface significantly reducing the risk of contamination.
Any discussion?
ProfessorGAC
(64,425 posts)Also, I've heard people say it has hurt more than a needle. Not everyone, but for some.
And, the COVID vax needle 27 gauge or smaller.
I essentially felt no more than pressure with my 2 shots. No pin prick, really.
I know some people are needle phobic, so this might help overcome that.
Seems it would he critical to thoroughly cleaning the site, then alcohol wipe. Then, giving it enough time to evaporate. I'd prefer not to have isopropanol pushed into my bloodstream.
Hugin
(32,778 posts)It is such a medicinal carrier. My granny had a bottle and rubbed it on for her arthritis. They could never get the purity levels high enough during production to make it useful as a means for administering secondary medications using it without a high risk of side effects. Although, apparently it has found a use treating nail fungus.
DMSO leaves a garlicy aftertaste in some.
When I received my vaccinations they were using a new type of needle which was the smallest I'd ever seen. The nurse warned me that these needles have a spring feature which retracts the needle into the syringe to avoid a sharps hazard and I might feel a small tug when the dose had been completed. I did feel it. There was no pain, however, I could see where its suddenness might startle someone who was already nervous.
ismnotwasm
(41,921 posts)If it is, thats old technology