Inhalable Vaccine for COVID-19 a Step Closer

An inhalable COVID-19 vaccine developed by Cansino Biologics has already entered late-stage clinical trials, with data suggesting it is now eligible to apply for emergency use in China.

The recipient inhales a deep breath from a cup containing the aerosol of the vaccine, holds the gas for around five seconds, and then slowly breathes out. The whole process takes around 10 seconds and is completely painless.

Clinical data show that the inhaled vaccine is safe and can deliver broad protection against the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, including its mutated strains.

As respiratory viruses typically target the lungs and upper respiratory airways, an inhalable vaccine can bolster the immune response in cells that form the mucous membranes in those parts of the body, serving as the first line of defense against the pathogen. In addition, inhalable vaccines require a lower dosage to elicit an immune response.

The inhalable vaccine being researched by Cansino is based on its Convidecia adenovirus vector vaccine for COVID-19, which has been approved for use in more than 10 countries.