Use of mRNA vaccine technology to prevent deadly diseases

New Delhi: The success of mRNA vaccine technology seen during the recent COVID-19 pandemic provides hope for using the platform to reduce preventable disease across multiple disease areas, according to a report on Wednesday. Data and analytics company GlobalData reports as part of World Immunization Week that about 507 prophylactic or preventative vaccines are currently in late-stage development, of which 88 have been developed using mRNA technology for disease prevention. being done. From tuberculosis, malaria to influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Lyme disease, among others.

Unlike other vaccine technologies, mRNA enables rapid production and adaptability to evolving targets. Although these vaccines require ultra-cold storage, modifying it would make it even more desirable. The campaign is held in late April each year to raise awareness of the ability of vaccines to prevent disease and protect lives. World Immunization Week is observed every week. “Vaccination has reduced the burden of disease in our society to a great extent. We have already seen the eradication of smallpox and are very close to achieving the same with polio. Boosting vaccinations, improving vaccination schedules, and developing new vaccines are all ways that will contribute to reducing morbidity and mortality,” said Annalee Tannen, infectious disease analyst at GlobalData.

Currently, more than 20 life-threatening diseases can be prevented by vaccines. Furthermore, new mechanisms are expected to broaden the scope of preventive vaccines available in the coming years. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that vaccines against diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza and measles are Prevents approximately 3.5–5 million deaths. “The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for effective vaccines to protect the health, well-being and safety of the world’s population, and to improve vaccination access and acceptance,” Tannen said. “Although vaccination is the cheapest and most While one of the effective public health interventions that enables disease eradication, vaccine hesitancy is still very high, and particularly with mRNA approaches. Therefore, more work is needed to encourage acceptance of this vaccination strategy among the public,” Tennen said.