At present, the situation of corona is quite controlled in most of the countries of the world. However, scientists say that it should not be a mistake to take it lightly, because the risk of mutation in the variants of Omicron and the possibility of increasing infection due to this cannot be ruled out. A team of scientists has been working for the past several months to develop a vaccine targeting the new variant. There are two big updates related to this which is necessary for everyone to know.
American vaccine manufacturer Moderna (MRNA) has developed a vaccine specifically targeting the sub-variant XBB.1.5 of Omicron, which has been recommended for use by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the other hand, India has launched a special mRNA-based booster vaccine for the Omicron variant of Corona. Health experts say that both these can be big and effective steps to prevent new variants of corona.
India launched a booster vaccine
Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday launched a special mRNA-based booster vaccine for the Omicron variant. The name of this vaccine is GEMCOVAC-OM and it is India's first mRNA vaccine, developed by Genova using indigenous platform technology.
It is a thermostable vaccine and will not require ultra-cold chain infrastructure like other mRNA-based vaccines. Its unique feature is that this vaccine can be given without injection.
Moderna's monovalent vaccine
On the other hand, Moderna has prepared a monovalent vaccine specifically targeting the sub-variant XBB.1.5 of Omicron, which has been recommended to the FDA for approval. Monovalent is different from bivalent booster shots that target both the original and omicron variants of the coronavirus. In a release issued by Moderna, it has been said that in the initial clinical data, the monovalent vaccine is very effective against the XBB.1.5 variant.
Covid vaccine makers Pfizer and Novavax are also already working towards developing vaccines targeting XBB.1.5 and other currently circulating sub-variants.
Why so much emphasis on new variants of Corona?
Now the question arises that why all the companies want to make vaccines targeting new variants of Corona, especially the XBB.1.5 variant.
In fact, in many other countries of the world including India, this variant had caused a rapid spurt in cases of infection in recent months. It was found in the studies that even those people were getting infected by it who had got Covid vaccines earlier. Researchers found that this variant easily evaded the immunity produced by earlier vaccines, raising the demand for a specially designed vaccine for Omicron.
(PC: FREEPIK)
