The Need: Addressing the Urgent Need for a Safe and Effective SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine for Infants and Children

The ongoing pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has brought about significant economic, emotional, and public health challenges worldwide. The pressing demand for a safe and efficacious vaccine is critical to protect the population from this novel virus. Notably, the absence of a vaccine for infants and children under 12 years old is an alarming gap that requires immediate attention. Current vaccines have demonstrated efficacy against SARS-CoV-2, but concerns remain about the durability of protection, the ability to neutralize emerging variants, and the high costs associated with production, storage, and transportation. There is an urgent need for alternative vaccine platforms and strategies to enhance stability, reduce expenses, and provide protection for the vulnerable pediatric population.

The Technology: Live Attenuated Recombinant Mumps Virus-based SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine

The technology presented here is a live attenuated recombinant mumps virus (rMuV)-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. The vaccine leverages the proven safety and efficacy of Jeryl Lynn 1 (JL1) and JL2 mumps virus components found in the MMR vaccine, extensively used in children worldwide since the 1960s. Various rMuVs have been engineered to express different SARS-CoV-2 S antigens and variants of concern. These antigens include full-length native S proteins, prefusion S proteins stabilized with prolines, and S proteins with altered glycosylation sites, among others.

Commercial Applications: Versatile Applications for Enhanced Protection

1. Pediatric Vaccination: The rMuV-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is a highly promising candidate for infants and children, filling the crucial gap for this vulnerable age group.
2. Multivalent Vaccine Production: The technology enables the development of a quadrivalent vaccine, providing protection against SARS-CoV-2, measles virus (MeV), mumps virus (MuV), and rubella virus.
3. Protection Against Emerging Variants: The vaccine's design targets various SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, offering broader protection against new strains as they arise.
4. Enhanced Immune Responses: Preclinical studies indicate that the rMuV-based vaccine induces high levels of S-specific antibodies, neutralizing antibodies, mucosal IgA antibodies, and T cell immune responses.
5. Cost-Effective Vaccine Production: The MMR vaccine's lyophilization and refrigeration storage properties reduce manufacturing and storage costs significantly.

Benefits/Advantages: A Breakthrough Solution for Global Immunization

1. Proven Safety Record: Building upon well-established mumps virus components, the vaccine ensures a high safety profile for widespread use, especially in pediatric populations.
2. Long-Term Immunity: The rMuV-based vaccine offers the potential for life-long immunity against SARS-CoV-2, providing lasting protection for vaccinated individuals.
3. Genetic Stability: The vaccine's excellent genetic stability minimizes the risk of mutations or unintended effects, ensuring consistent and reliable protection.
4. Effective Vaccine Production: Leveraging existing Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) techniques, the technology streamlines vaccine production for rapid and scalable distribution.
5. Clinical Trial Experience: The experience gained from human clinical trials with the MMR vaccine enhances the vaccine's development process, expediting regulatory approval.

In conclusion, the live attenuated recombinant mumps virus-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine presents a groundbreaking solution to address the critical need for safe and effective immunization against the virus, particularly for infants and children. Its versatile applications, enhanced immune responses, and a range of benefits make it a highly promising candidate for global vaccination efforts. Embracing this technology offers hope in the fight against the pandemic and safeguarding the health and well-being of the world's population.