Plant-based COVID-19 vaccine: Japanese firm makes new discovery

Plant-based COVID-19 vaccine: Japanese firm makes new discovery

If you’ve ever wondered how vaccines are made, you know that they don’t always need a live virus. A Japanese drug firm is making a Plant-based COVID-19 vaccine. Here’s all about the new development in vaccine technology.

All you need to know about the plant-based COVID-19 vaccine

All you need to know about the plant-based COVID-19 vaccine

Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, a Japanese pharmaceutical firm is planning to launch the world’s first Plant-based COVID-19 vaccine. The plant-based vaccine is likely to be low-cost and easy to transport according to the reports. The Osaka-based firm will be developing the plant-based vaccine from a plant belonging to the tobacco family by the end of 2021.

Unlike some vaccines in the market, this vaccine does not use a virus. Alternatively, it uses virus-like particles which mimic the virus and is safe for human life. With the new vaccine, Japan’s pharmaceutical company aims to break the west-dominant market. At present, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Pfizer dominate the covid vaccine market. However, the report states as new strains of the virus follow, the demand for vaccines will be stronger than ever before.

“As with seasonal flu, we don’t expect demand [for COVID-19 vaccines] to suddenly disappear and there is still much uncertainty regarding emerging variants,” said Tosifumi Tada. Tada is the head of business development at the firm. “We believe there is value in expanding options for vaccines,” he added.

Here’s why plant-based vaccines can be a better option

Here's why plant-based vaccines are better

Medicago’s vaccine manufacturing is much faster than its conventional counterparts. Unlike regular vaccines, this does not take 8 to 12 months. The plant-based shot can be produced in just five to eight weeks. The faster production phase is the best way to adapt and combat newer strains. Moreover, the new vaccine will be the first in the world. And, as the prospect of a plant-based vaccine increases, the manufacturing method and cost of the vaccine becomes feasible.

Additionally, a plant-based vaccine does not need deep freezing during transport. The vaccine can be stored between 2 to 8 degrees Celcius. The firm began a small-scale clinical trial in Japan and is hoping to be approved by March 2022. Additionally, Medicago is partnering with GlaxoSmithKline, a UK-based firm for the adjuvant. It is also analyzing the third phase of trial results from 24,000 subjects across Mexico, Argentina, Canada, Brazil, the UK, and the US.

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