Moderna vaccine for Covid-19: All you need to know

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In a possible breakthrough in coronavirus treatment, Moderna Inc has reported successful results from its experimental vaccine for Covid-19.

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Moderna’s vaccine is among the over 100 projects in various stages of development across the world.

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What is a vaccine?

Vaccines are biological products.

As compared to drugs, vaccines are administered to vulnerable sections of society to help them obtain immunity from a disease without getting sick.

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What is Moderna Inc?

Moderna Inc is an American biotechnology company.

Its vaccine, developed jointly with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases which is headed by Dr. Anthony Fauci, was the first to undergo human trials in the United States.

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According to The New York Times, Moderna was granted half a billion dollars by the government to quicken development of the vaccine.

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Moderna’s vaccine: testing and results

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Moderna’s vaccine, mRNA-1273, was created using the genetic material of the virus, called mRNA.

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The participants received anywhere between a 25-250 microgram dose of the vaccine.

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Eight participants who received two doses of the vaccine — 25 and 100 mcg — produced antibodies that could defeat the coronavirus.

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After the results, the company has dropped the idea of administering 250 mcg doses to participants.

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What next?

Moderna has been given permission to begin the second phase of its trial.

In a test for its safety and efficacy, the company will begin Phase 11 of its trial, where the vaccine will be administered to 600 participants to find the appropriate dose required to beat the virus.

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After the company acquired successful results with 25-100 mcg doses, it is expected to test a 50 mcg dose.

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A lesser dose of the vaccine would mean a larger quantity available to administer to the population.

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In the last phase of the trial, which is likely to begin in July, the vaccine will be tested on thousands of subjects.