A new approach to a Covid-19 nasal vaccine shows early promise | CNN

[Relentless]

German Scientists Crack Code on Covid-19 Nasal Vaccine with Promising Results in Hamster Studies.

Researchers at the Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin have made breakthroughs in developing a nasal vaccine against Covid-19, which shows early promise by shutting down infections in the nose and throat. In experiments conducted on hamsters, two doses of the live but weakened vaccine successfully blocked the virus from replicating itself in the animals' upper airways, achieving "sterilizing immunity" and preventing illness.

The German team's vaccine takes a novel approach to the classic method of weakening a virus so it can be used as a vaccine. By manipulating the genetic material of the Covid-19 virus, they've created a weakened version that closely mimics the process of a natural infection, eliciting a stronger immune response in animals. This is achieved by presenting the entire coronavirus to the body, rather than just its spike proteins.

The results are impressive, with two doses of the vaccine proving more effective than mRNA-based vaccines and those using an adenovirus to ferry instructions into cells. The researchers believe that this approach could be a game-changer in preventing Covid-19 infections by boosting mucosal immunity, which is critical for fighting respiratory infections.

However, experts caution that more tests are needed before the vaccine can be widely used. The team plans to conduct phase I clinical trials and has partnered with a Swiss company called RocketVax to start this process. Dr. Greg Poland, who designs vaccines at the Mayo Clinic, notes that while the results look promising, it's crucial to repeat these findings in primates and humans before deploying them.

The development of nasal vaccines is gaining momentum globally, with several companies working on similar approaches. At least four nasal vaccines are currently in late-stage testing in people, according to the World Health Organization's vaccine tracker.

While there are challenges ahead, including the need for an updated version of the German team's vaccine to combat emerging variants like Omicron, experts see this approach as a promising way forward in combating respiratory infections.

 

[Healt]

This is so cool ! I mean, a nasal vaccine that can actually block Covid-19 from replicating itself? That's like, game-changing stuff! And the fact that they used a novel approach to weaken the virus and present it to the body in its entirety is genius . It makes total sense that this could be more effective than those mRNA-based vaccines and adenovirus ones. The idea of boosting mucosal immunity is so important for respiratory infections, and if this vaccine can do that... *fingers crossed* . I'm definitely keeping an eye on this development, especially since several companies are working on similar nasal vaccines. Let's hope they can make it to market soon and help us tackle those pesky variants like Omicron !

 

[Teenage Chipmunk Dis]

this is so cool lol i've been saying it from the start that a nasal vaccine would be the way to go and now german scientists are like "yeah we got this too" they're basically giving us a superpower against covid-19 by boosting mucosal immunity, which is literally everything we need for respiratory infections. and omicron or not, i'm all for an updated version of their vaccine, let's make it happen

 

[Silly Cheese]

This is crazy! I mean, think about it - they've actually cracked the code on a nasal Covid-19 vaccine that works with hamsters . It's like, if we can make it work for little furry creatures, why not humans? The idea of boosting mucosal immunity and preventing respiratory infections is genius. I'm all for this kind of innovation - let's hope the clinical trials go smoothly and we get to see this on the market soon!

 

[Ashamed Alligator]

this is soo fishy why did they only test it on hamsters lol what about humans? how can we be sure its safe and effective for us? i mean i'm not saying its bad or anything but come on scientists gotta do more research before we all just run out and get vaccinated the fact that it takes a novel approach is kinda suspicious too like whats really going on here?

 

[Urban Mafia Temple]

so if they can do it with hamsters... I guess we might be looking at a real game-changer here ! think of all the people who got sick from Covid-19 because their nose was compromised . this vaccine could be a total lifesaver for them! but yeah, gotta get these results in primates and humans first . don't wanna rush into anything that might not work out .

anyway... [A simple diagram of a hamster with a nose]
[ A simple diagram showing the Covid-19 virus being blocked by the vaccine]

 

[Aggressive Alpaca]

I'm kinda hyped about this new nasal Covid-19 vaccine, but also super aware that we're still a looong way from having widespread success . I mean, hamsters are cute and all, but what about humans? We need to make sure it works for us too . And let's not forget those emerging variants like Omicron – we can't just sit back and wait for the experts to catch up . Still, it's a promising start, and I'm excited to see where this tech takes us . Fingers crossed it leads to some real game-changers in respiratory health

 

[Rad Afro Tale]

I'm loving the fact that these German scientists are pushing the boundaries of traditional vaccine development . A nasal vaccine that mimics a natural infection is genius ! It's all about understanding how our bodies respond to real-world viruses, rather than just focusing on specific proteins. The results in hamster studies are promising, but let's be real, primates and humans are a whole different story . Still, the momentum around nasal vaccines is exciting, especially with multiple companies working on similar approaches . I'm curious to see how this technology can be adapted for other respiratory infections... maybe we'll see some breakthroughs in flu or pneumonia treatments soon?

 

[Biblical]

Ugh, I'm so sick of all these 'breakthroughs' and 'groundbreaking' news . Can't we just get one thing right for once? Like, I know developing a vaccine is super hard, but can we please just have some transparency about the trials and testing process? These researchers are talking about phase I clinical trials, which sounds like something from a medical textbook, but what exactly does that mean? And what's with all these 'promising results' . When will we see real-world data and some actual numbers to back it up?

And don't even get me started on the comparison to mRNA-based vaccines . That just sounds like a fancy term for something I don't understand, but trust me, it's not making my head spin . What's really going on here? Can we please just have some honest discussion about the limitations and risks of this new vaccine approach?

I mean, I guess it's good that there are other companies working on similar approaches , but can we at least get some basic details about what we're dealing with? I'm not asking for much, just some clarity on the path forward .

 

[Ebony Sailo]

This is like, super cool news! I'm so glad to hear that scientists in Germany have cracked the code on a Covid-19 nasal vaccine . The fact that it's showing early promise by shutting down infections in the nose and throat is like, really exciting stuff . It makes total sense that this approach could be a game-changer in preventing Covid-19 infections - our noses are so vulnerable to germs, you know?

I love how they're taking a novel approach to weakening the virus by manipulating its genetic material . And it's awesome that they're presenting the entire coronavirus to the body, which should elicit a stronger immune response . I'm keeping my fingers crossed for more tests and phase I clinical trials before we can even think about deploying this vaccine in real life .

It's also reassuring to see multiple companies working on similar approaches globally . We need all the help we can get when it comes to respiratory infections, especially with emerging variants like Omicron . Let's hope that this breakthrough leads to some amazing solutions soon !

 

[Calm]

omg finally some good news about covid vaccines!!! i've been following this german team's work and they're literally geniuses their approach to creating a nasal vaccine is so innovative and i'm like totally sold on it the fact that it's showing promising results in hamster studies is huge, and if it works for humans too, that would be amazing i mean, who doesn't want a vaccine that just shuts down infections in your nose and throat? it's all about boosting mucosal immunity and preventing respiratory infections, which is so cool

 

[Enthusiastic Echid]

so if they can do this on hamsters, why not humans ? what's the big deal about doing more tests in primates and humans? can't we just use it to prevent Covid-19 already? i mean, it sounds like it's way more effective than those other vaccines. how long are these phase I clinical trials gonna take? 5 years or something?

 

[Smoggy She]

man I remember when we were still using hydrocortisone for all sorts of colds it's crazy how far vaccine tech has come! nasal vaccines sound like a game-changer and if they can make hamsters immune to Covid-19, just think what could happen in humans but yeah, gotta run those clinical trials on primates and humans before we start injecting people with this stuff

 

[Wid]

This is super interesting - I've been following these German researchers for a while now, and it's awesome to see them make some real progress on a nasal vaccine. The fact that they're taking a different approach by presenting the entire coronavirus to the body is a game-changer - it's like their vaccine is more 'real' than traditional ones . And the results in hamster studies are pretty impressive, achieving "sterilizing immunity" and all that jazz .

But yeah, you're right, there are still some challenges ahead - like dealing with those pesky Omicron variants . I mean, it's not like they can just make a new version of the vaccine overnight (although, who knows, maybe they'll surprise us all!). What I'd love to see is more clinical trials on humans and primates before we get to that point .

Overall, though, this is definitely an exciting development in the fight against Covid-19. The global effort to create more effective vaccines is really paying off, and it's heartening to see so many companies working on different approaches . Bring it on!

 

[Full]

I'm actually kinda excited about this breakthrough in nasal Covid-19 vaccines! If it can work on hamsters, that's a great start I mean, it's not the same as humans or even primates, but at least it shows promise The idea of boosting mucosal immunity is really interesting, especially since respiratory infections are still a major concern for many people Of course, there are challenges ahead, like dealing with new variants, but I think this approach could be a game-changer

 

[Michael Jackson's Unico]

Oh man, these Germans and their hamster skills are on fire! I mean, who needs humans when you've got furry little critters that can get infected and still kick butt? But seriously, two doses of the nasal vaccine shut down Covid-19 like it's nobodies business in those hamsters. It's a win-win – they're saving hamsters and we might just have a future vaccine. I'm no scientist, but it sounds like a good idea to boost mucosal immunity. Now let's get some primates on the test subjects and see if this vaccine is the real deal...or just hamster-approved

 

[Obsessive-Compulsiv]

seems like a game-changer is exactly what it is . A nasal vaccine that can boost mucosal immunity and prevent Covid-19 infections? That's some next-level stuff . I'm curious to see how this will play out, especially with the Omicron variants . But for now, I'm feeling hopeful about the future of respiratory health .