A prominent Russian scientist, a leading figure at the Gamaleya Epidemiology and Microbiology Research Center, highlighted the strong performance of the center’s nasal vaccine against the coronavirus. The vaccine, developed by researchers at Gamaleya, has shown high effectiveness in protecting people from infection and in generating mucosal immunity, which is the first line of defense where the virus typically enters the body. This mucosal protection is important because it can reduce transmission and help prevent the virus from taking hold in the upper respiratory tract.
Guntsburg noted that the nasal vaccine is designed to work across currently registered strains. In his assessment, the product demonstrates robust protection across diverse variants, including those that have emerged over recent months. He emphasized that the vaccine’s platform supports a broad immune response, which is crucial for maintaining protection as the virus evolves. The approach aims to deliver a strong, localized immune reaction in the nose and throat, complementing systemic immunity produced by traditional vaccines.
According to the speaker, the vaccine built on the same platform used for Sputnik V, which has been a reference point in Russia’s vaccination strategy. This continuity in platform design means the new nasal formulation benefits from established scientific experience and manufacturing know-how, while adapting to the specific goals of nasal administration and mucosal immunity. The compatibility with the Sputnik V framework also suggests potential efficiencies in development and production, contributing to a quicker path to broader availability if regulatory processes allow.
The team explained that the formulation includes a spectrum of circulating delta and omicron strains. By incorporating multiple variants, the vaccine is intended to maintain effectiveness even as new sublineages appear. The researchers anticipate that this breadth will provide solid protection against both existing and newly arising strains, reducing the risk of breakthrough infections and severe disease. They expressed optimism that protection may extend beyond the most prevalent variants to offer resilience against future changes in the virus’s global landscape.
Earlier, researchers from the Institute of Experimental Medicine collaborated with BIOCAD to explore a nasal vaccine candidate aimed at delivering durable immunity against coronavirus and influenza. This line of work reflects a broader effort to develop intranasal vaccines that can complement injectable options. By focusing on mucosal immunity and long-lasting protection, these efforts seek to broaden the tools available to public health authorities, helping communities stay ahead of respiratory viral threats. The ongoing research underscores a strategic interest in nasal vaccines as a practical addition to vaccination programs, potentially simplifying dosing and improving uptake in populations with varying access to healthcare services.