Scientists at the Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences have developed a multivalent influenza vaccine based on messenger RNA (mRNA) technology.
According to the institute's director, Vladimir Koval, this vaccine can be modified during the flu season according to the virus strain.
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines are considered an effective tool in combating viruses and bacteria (such as COVID-19). Their potential use in treating cancer, allergies, and other diseases is also being explored. mRNA vaccines are relatively quick and easy to develop compared to traditional methods. This type of vaccine carries the information necessary to generate an immune response; mRNA vaccines code for a protein specific to the disease-causing agent.
Koval says, "We have developed a multivalent influenza vaccine, and we are offering it to pharmaceutical companies."
According to him, the development of flu vaccines worldwide currently relies on forecasts from the World Health Organization, which conducts population studies to determine the dominant flu strain. However, if the strain changes during a pandemic season, pharmaceutical companies will be unable to modify the vaccine. This problem can be solved, however, with messenger RNA (mRNA) technology.
He says: "This is a basic solution, as a new vaccine can be developed according to the strain within two weeks."
Koval points out that mRNA technology is simpler than traditional protein vaccines. This technology relies on "translating" the genetic code into an mRNA molecule, which is then injected into the body. mRNA strongly stimulates the immune system, and there is a high probability of triggering an immune response. To prevent this, the institute successfully uses nucleotide modification technology to inhibit a strong reaction and increase the molecule's stability.
