In collaboration with the Griffith University of Australia, vaccine manufacturer Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL) is going to commence research work on producing a lead coronavirus vaccine. IIL and Griffith University scientist will use new codon de optimization techniques to produce a live attenuated SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 vaccine. The research aims to create a vaccine for prophylactic, efficient, single-dose immunization of coronavirus in humans with an enriched safety profile in hopes of providing enduring protection.
After the testing is done, the vaccine strain will be transported to IIL and the vaccine manufacturer to work closely with the regulator of the region, CDSCO, in order to perform more staggered, clinical trials. IIL aims to use its new Vero cell platform technology for virus mass production.
“The mission at IIL is to develop and supply vaccines that support the One Health initiative. IIL’s leadership in producing safe and affordable human and veterinary vaccines will enable us to progress well in this endeavor,” K Anand Kumar, managing director, IIL, said.
“Our live-attenuated vaccine will be developed using codon de-optimization technology and is expected to provide long-lasting immunity against SARS – CoV-2 following a single immunization and cross-protection against other coronaviruses (e.g., MERS, SARS-CoV-1),” Suresh Mahalingam, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Australia said.
He also added, “As this vaccine will be a live attenuated vaccine, it is expected to be highly effective by providing very strong cellular and antibody immune responses against the virus. The other benefit of a live-attenuated vaccine is a proven track record for economical large-scale manufacturing and well-known regulatory approval pathway.”
