Despite the rapid spread of the coronavirus disease, there is still no known cure for the causative agent SARS-CoV-2. Hence, the urgent need and priority to develop an effective and safe vaccine is rapidly deployable. There are hundreds of vaccine candidates from different companies in different levels of trial. Moderna Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) says it has a preclinical study evaluating its vaccine candidate, mRNA-1273.
The candidate has demonstrated robust protection on the immune system against the virus in non-human primates. This is according to a publication on The New England Journal of Medicine. A two-dose vaccination schedule of mRNA-1273 was administered in the upper and lower airways in non-human primates, and there was no event of a vaccine-associated enhanced respiratory disease (VAERD).
The Preclinical Results Supports the Clinical Advancement of mRNA-1273
This will not be the first or the last study with signs of success. However, according to the President of Moderna Stephen Hoge, it has added to the hope of being able to combat the spread of the virus. The preclinical results have opened a wider door of the advancement of the mRNA-1273. Besides, the research and the development of the vaccine have received massive financial support from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).
“We believe this is the first demonstration of control of viral replication within two days of challenge in both the nose and lungs in non-human primates by a vaccine against COVID-19…’’ Hoge reported.
Given The Right Approach and Infrastructure mRNA Should Work For Many Diseases
Moderna is so enthusiastic about the use of advanced technology, which enables drug discovery and development. The building of the mRNA infrastructure was driven by the need to improve the discovery, development, and manufacturing of medicines.
Sometimes using the use of mRNA to create medicines will always be an easy task. However, the company has been using hundreds of scientists and engineers who share in the mission of advancing its platform technology. It has also engaged in collaboration to overcome any possible scientific and technical challenges. Moderna has the certainty that with the right approach, the technology can accomplish much more.
