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DNA Covid Vaccine::

ZyCoV-D, an indigenously developed product may well be on its way to becoming the world's first licenced DNA COVID vaccine. Once approved, this vaccine could be a game-changer especially because of the way it has been developed and its safety.

Introduction:
ZyCov-D is being developed on a DNA platform, utilising a non-replicating and non-integrating plasmid containing the new coronavirus gene, which makes it extremely safe. The DNA platform is known to have improved vaccine durability and less cold chain requirements, making it easier to store and deliver vaccines to distant areas of the nation.

DNA vaccines are made up of bacterial plasmids containing the desired protein's gene, as well as a transcription promoter and terminator. The plasmid is able to replicate in a variety of cells, including myocytes, keratinocytes, and antigen-presenting cells (APCs). It reaches the nucleus as an episome, not integrating with the host cell's DNA. The inserted gene is translated into antigen using the host cell's transcription and translation machinery. A protein produced by plasmid-transfected cells is likely to be folded in its natural form within the cell. APCs detect the antigen, which further generates antibodies and cellular response.

Dosages: First vaccine with a three-dose regimen. The second and third dosages should be taken on days 28 and 56, respectively.

Safety profile:

The vaccine was proven to be safe in phase I and phase II clinical studies. The phase 2 study enrolled 1,000 adult volunteers and was done as part of an adaptive phase I/II dose-escalation, multi-centric, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Both ZyCoV-D and the vaccines produced by American firms Pfizer and Moderna are classified as "nucleic acid vaccines." The sole distinction is that the latter two employ messenger RNA to deliver identical information to the body.

Zydus Cadila has informed that they would submit an emergency use authorisation application within the next 10-12 days, which means we might see another indigenous vaccine very soon. However, there has been no discussion about the vaccine's cost because the firm is currently determining it.

However, authorities stated that even if Zydus receives approval from India's Drug Controller General, the company's production capability is insufficient to add significantly to the country's COVID-19 immunisation programme, at least in terms of volume. The government believes that the organisation may produce around 5 crore doses between August and December 2021.

ZyCov-D vaccination-A game changer
ZyCoV-D is the world's first DNA coronavirus vaccine. The vaccine is composed of genetic material that instructs human cells to produce the SARS-CoV-2 antigen.

Children were also involved in the experiment. Thus, if the vaccine is approved by the DCGI, it will be India's first vaccination for children under the age of 18.

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