Mucosal COVID-19 vaccines in clinical development.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Vaccinology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Mucosal vaccines are crucial for combating COVID-19 by inducing systemic and upper respiratory tract immunity.
• They offer advantages like needle-free administration and potential to reduce virus transmission.
• Preclinical and early clinical studies show promise for long-lasting immunity and protection against SARS-CoV-2.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the advantages and disadvantages of mucosal COVID-19 vaccines.
• To summarize the clinical development status of mucosal COVID-19 vaccines.
• To highlight advanced candidates and key findings from preclinical and clinical studies.

Main Methods:

• Review of preclinical studies in animal models and non-human primates.
• Analysis of early-phase clinical studies for mucosal COVID-19 vaccines.
• Compilation of data on currently approved/licensed and investigational mucosal COVID-19 vaccines.

Main Results:

• Multiple mucosal COVID-19 vaccine candidates show potential for long-lasting immunity and protection.
• At least 28 mucosal COVID-19 vaccines are in clinical trials, alongside five approved/licensed vaccines.
• Clinical data availability is limited, and some trials have been terminated or withdrawn.

Conclusions:

• Mucosal vaccines represent a promising next generation for COVID-19 prevention.
• Further clinical data is needed to fully assess the efficacy and safety of advanced candidates.
• Needle-free mucosal vaccines could significantly impact public health strategies against respiratory viral diseases.