RNA-Based COVID-19 vaccine candidates with clinical phase trials in progress

Leyla Ipek Rudvan Al1, Meliha Çağla Sönmezer1, Serhat Ünal1

  • 1Department of Infectious Disease and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey

Insights

This review examines RNA-based COVID-19 vaccine candidates, highlighting their rapid development. As of July 2021, 18 RNA-based vaccines were in clinical trials, with 2 in preclinical stages, showcasing significant progress in pandemic prevention.

Area of Science:

  • * Virology and Immunology
  • * Vaccine Technology and Development

Background:

  • * The COVID-19 pandemic, declared by the WHO in March 2020, necessitates urgent development of effective prevention and treatment strategies.
  • * Achieving herd immunity through natural infection or vaccination is crucial for controlling the pandemic's spread.
  • * RNA-based vaccines represent a promising avenue for rapid vaccine development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To review and compile current data on COVID-19 vaccine candidates utilizing RNA technology.
  • * To assess the progress of RNA-based vaccine development in preclinical and clinical trials.

Main Methods:

  • * Literature search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and World Health Organization (WHO) databases.
  • * Monitoring of news and developments from vaccine manufacturers' websites.
  • * Analysis of data on vaccine trials, including those in clinical and preclinical phases.

Main Results:

  • * As of July 9, 2021, 291 vaccine trials were underway globally.
  • * 107 vaccine candidates were in the clinical trial phase.
  • * 18 (16%) of the clinical-stage vaccine candidates were RNA-based, with an additional 2 in preclinical development.

Conclusions:

  • * Vaccination trials for COVID-19 are progressing with unprecedented speed and effectiveness.
  • * RNA-based vaccine technology is a significant contributor to the global effort to combat the pandemic.
  • * The data underscores the critical role of ongoing research and development in addressing public health crises.

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