Nasal Spray 'Inhalation' COVID-19 Vaccine Shows Stronger Effectiveness Than Injection

Formation of Strong Immunity Against Respiratory Viruses... Helps Activate Immune Cells

Nasal spray inhalation vaccine. /Photo by Yale University News Homepage Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seohyun] A study has attracted attention by showing that a vaccine administered intranasally, sprayed into the nasal cavity, is effective against COVID-19 variants. In particular, it was found to generate stronger immunity against respiratory viruses compared to injectable vaccines.

On the 13th, Professor Iwasaki of Yale University and the research team from Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine revealed that the 'intranasal vaccine' is known to provide broader protection against respiratory viruses than the 'injectable vaccine.'

The research team explained that while injectable vaccines induce antibodies throughout the entire immune system, intranasal vaccines act locally on the mucosal surfaces of the nose, stomach, and lungs?areas where initial infections of respiratory diseases are concentrated?thereby helping activate immune cells and producing a stronger immune response. They also stated that intranasal vaccines induce protective antibody formation not only against targeted pathogens but also against various influenza viruses.

Additionally, in mouse experiments, mice vaccinated intranasally showed a stronger immune response compared to the group vaccinated with injectable vaccines.

Regarding this, Professor Iwasaki explained, "Both vaccine injections and intranasal vaccines increased antibody levels in the blood of mice, but only the intranasal vaccine secreted immune antibodies formed in the lungs, where respiratory viruses reside to infect the host."

The research team plans to reveal the efficacy of intranasal vaccines against COVID-19 through other animal model studies. If intranasal vaccines are confirmed to be safe and effective for humans, they are expected to be used alongside current COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots.

This study was published on the 10th in the international academic journal Science Immunology. It is also reported that Professor Oh Ji-eun of KAIST participated as the first author in the research.

Meanwhile, countries including the United States, Canada, China, and the United Kingdom are also developing inhalable COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.

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