iNCOVACC : World’s First Intranasal Covid-19 Booster Vaccine Approved

iNCOVACC : World’s First Intranasal Covid-19 Booster Vaccine Approved

Government of India has recently approved the World’s first intranasal Covid-19 vaccine to be used as a booster dose in the wake of surge of covid cases in China and other countries.

This nasal vaccine will now be included as a second heterologous booster, following the inclusion of Corbevax.

iNCOVACC or BBV154, has been manufactured by Hyderabad based biotech firm, Bharat Biotech. On 28th November, it has received approval from Central Drug Standard Controller Organisation (CDSCO) under restricted emergency use in adults over 18 years in India.

The development and clinical trials of this vaccine were partially funded by the Government of India’s Covid Suraksha Program through Department of Biotechnology.

In April 2022, Russian Health Ministry had approved the nasal form of Sputnik V vaccine.

What is iNCOVACC or BBV154 ?

It is a recombinant, replication deficient adenovirus vectored vaccine that includes a pre-fusion stabilised fused protein delivered through the nose.

Mechanism of Intranasal vaccine

• They are introduced into the body through the nose, where it stimulates an immune response in the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, which are responsible for protecting the human body against respiratory infections.
• iNCOVACC may generate local antibodies in upper respiratory tract, which has the potential to reduce the risk of infection and transmission.
• The nasal vaccine may be more effective at preventing transmission due to its ability to provide local immunity i.e. the nose where virus initially enters, compared to other vaccines.

Significance of iNCOVACC nasal vaccine

• It can be administered easily and quickly, without the need for injections.
• They may be more cost-effective and easier to distribute than injectable vaccines.
• Nasal vaccine may be more suitable for people who are needle phobic or have a fear of injections.
• It can eliminate the need for trained personnel to administer injections, making it more accessible and convenient for individuals.
• The iNCOVACC nasal vaccine has been shown to be effective against Omicron variants of the virus that replicate in the upper respiratory tract before entering the lungs.
• Capable of producing large quantities to meet the demand.