A new vaccine patch has been found to be 11 times more effective against the Omicron variant of the coronavirus than the same vaccine administered through a needle. Researchers from the University of Queensland and biotechnology company Vaxxas conducted a study using the Hexapro vaccine and the HD-MAP technology, which is a high-density microarray patch that allows for vaccine delivery without a traditional needle. The vaccine is delivered directly to an area of the body with a high concentration of immune cells, making it more effective against the Omicron variant. The patch has the potential to be a game-changer in the fight against COVID-19, as it is not only more effective but also easier to administer.
Alternative vaccine delivery methods have been explored in recent years, including inhalation and patch technology. The Hexapro vaccine was tested alongside other vaccine types, including subunits, DNA, inactivated viruses, and conjugates, and all showed a better immune response compared to traditional needle delivery. The study’s lead author, David Muller, believes that alternative vaccine delivery methods like the patch have the potential to significantly impact the immune response and could be a chance to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
The patch technology has the potential to be a new and more effective weapon in our arsenal, especially in a time when new variants are mutating rapidly. The patch is not only more effective but also easier to use, making it accessible to a wider range of people. Vaxxas is currently building the first production facility for the vaccine patch in Brisbane, and further clinical trials with more participants are set to begin soon. The patch has the potential to be a game-changer in the fight against COVID-19, and its development is a promising step forward in the search for effective vaccines and alternative delivery methods.
