Source: TH
Context: India’s first indigenous mRNA vaccine for the Omicron variant, GEMCOVAC-OM, has been granted emergency use approval by the Drug Controller General of India.
- GEMCOVAC-OM has the advantage of being stable at ordinary refrigeration temperatures, and it can be administered using a needle-free Pharma Jet system.
- Clinical trial data submitted to the regulatory authorities indicated that the vaccine has a strong safety profile and generates more neutralizing antibodies compared to Covishield.
| Aspect | mRNA Vaccines | Traditional Vaccines |
| Mechanism | Tricks the body into producing viral proteins | Introduces small or inactivated doses of the whole disease-causing organism or its proteins into the body |
| Composition | Uses messenger RNA (mRNA) | Contains small or inactivated doses of the whole disease-causing organism or its proteins |
| Action | mRNA instructs cells to produce viral proteins | Provokes the immune system into mounting a response |
| Protein Production | The body produces viral proteins itself | Introduction of pre-formed viral proteins |
| DNA Involvement | Utilizes mRNA, which puts DNA instructions into action | Does not involve DNA |
| Immune Response | Stimulates an immune response | Provokes the immune system to mount a response |
| Development Process | Utilizes mRNA technology | Relies on traditional vaccine development methods |
| Manufacturing Flexibility | Can be developed and produced relatively quickly | May require longer development and production times |
| Potential Applications | Versatile platform for various vaccines | Used for a wide range of vaccines |
| Storage and Administration | May require special storage conditions and specific administration methods | Can be stored under ordinary conditions and administered using conventional methods |
