A new class mRNA vaccine against omicron

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation (CEPI) and Gritstone bio have expanded their preliminary agreement to develop a self-amplifying mRNA vaccine. A new biological product for SARS-CoV-2 virus, known as omicron, will belong to a completely new class: SAM (self-amplifying mRNA).

This SAM vaccine uses the human body mechanisms to produce an antigenic protein instead of introducing antigens into the body. Theoretically this vaccine should take longer to reproduce in the human body than standard mRNA vaccines. CEPI and Gritstone bio said the vaccine is able to induce T-cell immune response against gene fragments that differ from S-protein (mutate more slowly than the genes associated with S-protein).

Source: Pharmaceutical technology