This week's evaluation by Ema is expected for Novbavax and then shortly for Valneva. In the first months of next year we could have the availability of these vaccines, it is good that there is a further vaccine offer both for the unjustified skeptics (who must not have any kind of skepticism towards RNA vaccines because they have proven to be safe), but also because they can become easier to use vaccines. And in the meantime, we are studying whether to modify the vaccines on the basis of existing variations »said the general director of Aifa Nicola Magrini to Sky.
What is the expected mechanism of action of the US Nuvaxovid vaccine Novavax?
It is a protein-based vaccine containing nanoparticles obtained from a laboratory-produced version of the spike protein (AgS with virus-like trimers) present on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. It also contains an “adjuvant”(Matrix-M™ adjuvant, nanoparticles containing saponins extracted from yarrow saponaria with phospholipids and cholesterol), a substance that helps strengthen immune responses to the vaccine.
Once the vaccine is injected, the vaccinated person's immune system will recognize the protein particles as foreign and will respond by producing its own natural defenses (i.e. antibodies and T cells). SARS-CoV-2, the immune system will recognize the spike protein present on the surface of the virus and will be ready to fight it. Antibodies and immune cells can protect against COVID-19 by working together to kill the virus, prevent it from entering body cells, and destroy infected cells. (AIFA).
Novavax exploits the technique of recombinant proteins thanks to an engineered baculovirus. It is administered in two doses 21 days apart and has now been authorized for emergency use only in Indonesia and the Philippines. Nuvaxovid can be stored in the refrigerator.
What is the intended mechanism of action of the vaccine Valneva ?
The vaccine contains inactivated (killed) virus and cannot cause disease. VLA2001 also contains two "adjuvants" (Alum and CpG 1018), substances that help strengthen the immune response to the vaccine. It is a technology used for over sixty years in the field of vaccines, which involves the chemical inactivation of the virus.
Once the vaccine is injected, the vaccinated person's immune system will recognize the inactivated virus as foreign and respond by producing antibodies. Should, at a later time, the vaccinated person come into contact with SARS-CoV-2, his immune system will recognize the virus and be ready to defend the body. (AIFA)
That of the Franco-Austrian company Valneva would be the first inactivated virus vaccine to be given the go-ahead in Europe. The European Commission has secured the purchase of 60 million doses by 2023.
Related news: Mixing mRNA, adenoviral, and spike-adjuvant vaccines for protection against COVID-19
The following vaccines have currently been authorized in Italy:
- Vaccine Comirnaty of Pfizer-BioNtech – is the first vaccine to have been authorized in the European Union: on 21 December 2020 by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and on 22 December by the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA).
- Vaccine Spikevax (modern) – on 6 January it was authorized by the EMA and on 7 January by AIFA.
- Vaccine Vaxzevria Of AstraZeneca – on 29 January it was authorized by the EMA and on 30 January by AIFA.
- Vaccine Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) – is the fourth vaccine authorized by the EMA on 11 March and by AIFA on 12 March 2021.
