"Novavax Could Be a Game Changer"… "Vaccines Remain the Best Response to Variants"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] "Novavax vaccine has the potential to be a game changer"

Baek Soon-young, a virus expert and emeritus professor at the Catholic University Medical School, said that since the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine has been licensed domestically and uses a synthetic antigen vaccine platform that has been used for a long time, its efficacy and safety are expected. He predicted that the Novavax vaccine will be a 'game changer' that will change the domestic vaccine supply situation.

The Novavax vaccine is currently scheduled for domestic introduction of a total of 20 million doses (40 million shots). SK Bioscience will produce and supply all the domestically introduced doses. In particular, since SK Bioscience holds the domestic rights and produces the vaccine through technology transfer, it is also possible to adjust the supply volume according to domestic demand.

Professor Baek analyzed, "If the supply of raw and subsidiary materials is resolved, mass production is possible," adding, "If production starts in earnest from July to August, supply could be faster than the introduction timing of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines."

President Moon Jae-in is also scheduled to meet Stanley Erck, CEO of Novavax, who is visiting Korea this afternoon, to discuss vaccine issues. Discussions are expected on domestic vaccine production and import issues. Although the Blue House refrains from specific remarks, there are expectations that more advanced matters beyond additional vaccine procurement will be discussed.

Professor Baek said that although Novavax has not yet received overseas approval, since it is a synthetic antigen vaccine that has been widely used before, there should be no major issues in terms of efficacy and safety. He analyzed, "The synthetic antigen method has a form similar to the spike protein of the virus particle, so it seems to be effective."

Synthetic antigen vaccines are made by synthesizing part of the virus protein to be used as an antigen using genetic recombination technology and then administering it. This method has been used in vaccines such as influenza, hepatitis B, and the cervical cancer vaccine 'Gardasil'.

The Novavax vaccine is currently under review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The industry expects results between April and June. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review is expected to take longer, likely in the second half of the year.

On the other hand, Professor Baek pointed out, "Currently, mRNA vaccines like Pfizer and Moderna are preferred because they are known to have fewer side effects, but I have some doubts," adding, "Since the platform has never been used before, long-term side effects have not been verified."

He also viewed the risk of the 'adjuvant' required for the Novavax vaccine as low. The Novavax vaccine is made by adding 'Matrix-M,' a saponin-based adjuvant. Professor Baek said, "Saponin is a natural substance also found abundantly in ginseng," and "Since it has been used for a long time, the risk is considered low."

However, since approval is not yet certain, he advised continuous monitoring of other vaccines such as the 'Sputnik V' vaccine. Professor Baek said, "For now, since the supply is sufficient, there seems to be no need to consider the Sputnik V vaccine," but added, "However, since it is being contract-manufactured (CMO) domestically, it is necessary to consider its introduction as a contingency plan in case the Novavax vaccine is not approved or other unexpected situations arise."

Baek Sun-young, Professor Emeritus, Catholic University College of Medicine

After the vaccine is introduced, Professor Baek criticized the authorities' response, emphasizing the need for "prompt and transparent disclosure of information" regarding adverse reactions after vaccination to maintain trust.

He expressed the view that even when the causal relationship between vaccination and adverse reactions is uncertain, "compensation should be provided unless it is completely proven that there is no causal relationship." He explained that trust was broken among vaccine recipients after a case of a nurse assistant in her 40s developed paralysis after vaccination, with people worrying, "What if that happens to me too?"

Variant infections practically exceed 1,000... "Vaccines are the best response to variants"

Professor Baek emphasized the response to variant viruses in terms of quarantine. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) on the 27th, the number of infections with the 'three major variants' from the UK, South Africa, and Brazil increased to 535 as of that day.

He pointed out that this is just the 'tip of the iceberg.' Not all confirmed cases have been tested, and epidemiologically related persons who are likely variant infections but not yet confirmed are excluded. In fact, when adding 615 epidemiologically related persons, the number of cases of the three major variants rises to 1,150, exceeding 1,000.

He stressed, "Quarantine authorities, especially local governments, must have the capability to quickly test for variants when cluster outbreaks occur." He said that instead of whole genome sequencing, which takes about a week, local governments should have a system to monitor partial gene analysis that can be done in a day or two.

Overseas arrivals are moving at the Arrival Hall of Terminal 1, Incheon International Airport, Yeongjongdo.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

He also did not forget to warn about other variants besides the three major ones. As of the 19th, the California variant (452R.V1) has been introduced 294 times domestically. Professor Baek warned, "The California variant also has immune escape mutations," adding, "It can be quite dangerous, and judging by its spread in California, it appears to be a frightening variant."

Professor Baek emphasized that vaccines are the best countermeasure against variant viruses as well. He suggested, "We must achieve herd immunity before variant strains spread," and "Herd immunity through vaccination should be formed by at least June, or by September at the latest."

He also stressed the need to secure improved vaccines against variants, saying, "Although we have secured 2.75 times the required amount, considering booster shots and unexpected variables, it cannot be said to be sufficient," and "To avoid a situation like last year, it is necessary to secure supply excessively, even if some doses have to be discarded."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.