Will researchers soon be able to make the next breakthrough in the fight against the corona virus? So far, people had to be vaccinated against the corona virus with a classic syringe. However, some people did not get vaccinated for fear of needles.
Now a new patch vaccination should remedy the situation. Researchers at the British company Emergex Vaccines Holding Ltd have developed a special vaccine that is to be administered via patch.
Specifically, the patch is briefly pressed onto the skin and then removed. The vaccine enters the body with microneedles. The needles cannot be felt by the vaccinated person and hardly penetrate a millimeter into the skin.
Better protection thanks to memory cells?
The new vaccination method is now being tested in Switzerland. Blick already reported in November that the first tests should take place in Germany. Now the study has started. Since January 10, 26 volunteers have received the basic dose of the vaccine via patch at the Lausanne CHUV. A second, stronger dose should follow a few weeks later. Scientists from the University of Lausanne then follow the participants for six months.
According to the researchers, the vaccine is designed to build memory cells. These made the vaccine more durable and better protected against other variants of the virus. The researchers hope for long-term immunity against corona. In addition, booster vaccinations should no longer be necessary.
The Swiss study is the world’s first with the new patch vaccine. It has not yet been determined when and whether this will be used by the general public. The first study results should be available in June 2022. (zis)