Rajkotupdates.news: Zydus Needle-Free Corona Vaccine Zycov D

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant impact on human life globally. In the quest for a solution, the world has witnessed several vaccines developed at a record-breaking pace. Among these vaccines, the Zycov-D vaccine developed by Zydus Cadila has caught the attention of many, mainly because of its unique delivery mechanism – needle-free.

Zydus Cadila’s Zycov-D – An Overview

The Unique Delivery Mechanism

Zydus Cadila, an Indian pharmaceutical company, has made a significant contribution to the fight against COVID-19 with its vaccine candidate – Zycov-D. Unlike traditional vaccines that require a needle and syringe for injection, the Zycov-D vaccine employs a unique delivery mechanism that is needle-free.

The Zycov-D vaccine is a DNA-based vaccine that utilizes a plasmid DNA vector to produce the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The unique aspect of this vaccine is that it delivers the plasmid DNA into the body’s cells using a needle-free injector called PharmaJet. PharmaJet is a device that uses a high-velocity fluid stream to penetrate the skin and deliver the vaccine into the tissue below.

The Advantages of Needle-Free Delivery

The needle-free delivery mechanism of the Zycov-D vaccine has several advantages. First, it eliminates the fear and discomfort associated with needle injections, making it more appealing to people who are afraid of needles. Second, it reduces the risk of needlestick injuries and the transmission of blood-borne diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis B.

Furthermore, the needle-free delivery system is more efficient in delivering the vaccine to the body’s cells, leading to a more robust immune response. The PharmaJet device uses a precise and controlled fluid stream to deliver the vaccine directly into the tissue below the skin, where it can activate the immune cells quickly. In contrast, traditional needle injections can result in vaccine leakage, leading to lower efficacy.

The Zycov-D Vaccine Development and Clinical Trials

The Preclinical Studies

The development of the Zycov-D vaccine started in January 2020, when the SARS-CoV-2 virus first emerged in China. Zydus Cadila’s scientists used a plasmid DNA vector to express the spike protein of the virus, which is the primary target for neutralizing antibodies. The DNA sequence was optimized to enhance protein expression and stability.

The preclinical studies of the Zycov-D vaccine were conducted on animals, including mice, rats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. The studies demonstrated that the vaccine induced a robust immune response and protected the animals from the SARS-CoV-2 virus’s infection. The vaccine was found to be safe and well-tolerated, with no adverse effects.

The Clinical Trials

The Zycov-D vaccine has undergone three phases of clinical trials to evaluate its safety and efficacy in humans. The phase 1 clinical trial involved 104 healthy volunteers, who received two doses of the vaccine four weeks apart. The trial showed that the vaccine was safe and well-tolerated, with no serious adverse effects.

The phase 2 clinical trial involved 1,000 participants aged between 12 and 65 years. The trial evaluated the vaccine’s immunogenicity and safety at three different dose levels. The trial results showed that the vaccine induced a robust immune response and was safe and well-tolerated, with no serious adverse effects.

The phase 3 clinical trial of the Zycov-D vaccine is ongoing and involves 28,000 participants across India. The trial is evaluating the vaccine’s efficacy and safety in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infections. The interim data from the trial is encouraging, with the vaccine showing a 66% efficacy rate against symptomatic COVID-19 infections.

The Regulatory Approval

Zydus Cadila has submitted the data from the clinical trials to the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for regulatory approval. The company has also applied for emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Zycov-D vaccine. If the vaccine receives regulatory approval, it will be the first needle-free COVID-19 vaccine to be available in the market.

The Future of Zycov-D Vaccine

The Production and Distribution

Zydus Cadila has started the production of the Zycov-D vaccine and aims to produce 100 million doses by the end of 2021. The company has also entered into agreements with several governments and organizations to supply the vaccine. The distribution of the vaccine will be a significant challenge, given its unique delivery mechanism and the need for specialized equipment. However, Zydus Cadila has already set up a dedicated team to address the distribution challenges.

The Potential Applications

The needle-free delivery mechanism of the Zycov-D vaccine has the potential for several other applications beyond COVID-19. The PharmaJet device used to deliver the vaccine can be used for the delivery of other vaccines and medicines, including influenza, hepatitis B, and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. The needle-free delivery mechanism can also be used for delivering gene therapies, which require the delivery of DNA or RNA molecules into the cells.