CSIR-IMTECH Develops Vaccine for SARS-CoV-2

In August, 2024, researchers from CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH) in Chandigarh developed a new protein subunit-based vaccine candidate, IMT-CVAX, showing near-complete protection in preclinical studies.

Key Points

Vaccine Details: IMT-CVAX is a recombinant prefusion-stabilized trimeric spike protein designed to combat SARS-CoV-2 infections. It has demonstrated effectiveness in neutralizing various virus variants, including the Delta variant.
Preclinical Success: The vaccine elicited robust anti-spike IgG antibodies in mice and provided excellent protection in hamsters against SARS-CoV-2. It shows no visible adverse effects in tested animals.
Advantages: Protein subunit vaccines are noted for their ease of large-scale production, storage in standard refrigerators, and safety for mass immunization.
Project Funding and Collaboration: Funded by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the project involves collaborations with CIDR, IISc, and the National Institute of Immunology (NII).
Future Prospects: The vaccine’s development aims to establish an indigenous platform for rapid response to future pandemics and variants. International patents have been filed to protect the innovation.