Phase I trial of intranasal COVID-19 vaccine spray approved in China

According to a new report, a Phase I clinical trial to test an intranasal COVID-19 vaccine spray has received approval in China. 

The report from Globaldata, says that the vaccine is being co-developed by Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprise with researchers from Xiamen University and Hong Kong University. Furthermore, it is the first of its kind to receive clinical trial authorisation from the China National Medical Products Administration.

The intranasal spray, which consists of weakened flu viruses such as H1N1, H3N2 and B with genetic segments of COVID-19’s Spike (S) protein, mimics the infection of respiratory viruses and stimulates the immune response. The Phase I clinical trial is expected to begin in November 2020, enrol 100 patients and will take at least a year to complete.

Scotty Chung-Siu, Senior Analyst at GlobalData, commented: “Nasal sprays are far less invasive for the recipient than the intramuscular injection alternative, as the drug can be rapidly absorbed through the nasal mucosa since it is supplied by many blood vessels.”

The authors highlight that the spray vaccine should be easier to mass-produce and distribute because it will utilise the same production technology as the influenza vaccine. According to the outlet, in its drugs database, there are currently five vaccines in development for COVID-19 with intranasal routes of administration, all of which contain the COVID-19 S protein in their formulations.

Chung-Siu concluded: “There are currently 375 vaccine candidates currently in development against COVID-19 and the latest approval just shows how every approach and option is being considered to fight this ongoing pandemic. As the number of cases and deaths continue to rise, so do the research and efforts to find a vaccine.”