Vaccines and Monoclonal Antibodies
One writer’s take on the BIOAfrica Convention Session H003, on August 24, 2020.
By Ryan Mathura, B.S.—Health Science, Emory University
Editor’s note: Since publishing this article, news on the COVID-19 vaccine has rapidly progressed. For the most up-to-date information on vaccine development, please check out COVID Vaccine Facts, a collaborative of CDC, NIH, and BIO International.
Dr. Caryn Fenner, the Technical Director of Afrigen Biologics, gave an update on the status of vaccines being developed around the world in response to COVID-19. Vaccine regulations currently have very stringent requirements for safety and tolerability. While these regulations are essential, especially for vaccines developed through novel methods, such requirements may hinder the vaccine candidates’ immunogenicity and the speed at which a sufficiently immunogenic vaccine can be developed.
As of her presentation on August 24, 2020, there were 26 vaccines in clinical evaluation and 139 in pre-clinical evaluation. Dr. Fenner highlighted three candidates currently in phase III trials that represent three different approaches to vaccine development. Below is a short breakdown along with some pros and cons of each.
Oxford University/AstraZeneca
Description
Viral Vector vaccine
Genetic material of COVID-19 is inserted into a different virus (adenovirus in this case)
Pros
Preferred over live or attenuated virus especially for the elderly and immunocompromised
No adjuvant needed
Cons
Vaccine efficacy can be mitigated by host response to viral vector
Cell based manufacturing can be complex and problematic
Moderna
Description
RNA vaccine
Genetic material of COVID-19 is taken up by immune cells and can create and recognize viral units
Pros
Can be created relatively quickly
Made without eggs so allergies are not a concern
Cons
Subject to degradation
Relatively low immunogenicity
Wuhan and Beijing Institutes
Description
Inactivated virus vaccine
Viruses are rendered inert through chemical or radiological methods
Pros
Can be transported very easily; freeze dried and reconstituted before being administered
Able to elicit a very strong immune response
Cons
Large amount of virus needed in each dose
Requires multiple shots
While these developments are exciting, Dr. Fenner fears that Africa may be the last continent to receive an approved vaccine if one is not manufactured on the continent. She is confident that South African scientists can manufacture antigens and other components needed for vaccines, but they will need the support of foreign investment and government support if they want to provide for the whole continent.
For more information on COVID-19 vaccine development, check out our blog on the topic here.
Mr. Mathura is pursuing his Master of Public Health degree from Emory University in Atlanta, GA, USA. This summer, he is also working as a COVID-19 contact tracing intern for the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Mr. Mathura has no financial involvement or interest in the Bio Africa Marketplace or products mentioned therein or elsewhere within the BioAfrica Innovation Hub websites. His role in the Scientific Resource Hub does not constitute endorsement or recommendation of specific products or suppliers mentioned within the Bio Africa Innovation Hub websites.