COVID-19 vaccine is currently essential since the global coronavirus pandemic is still ongoing in many countries across the globe. The shots usually require injection to vaccinate patients.
But, a Filipino-American's new oral vaccine could get rid of the need for an injector since its new COVID-19 medicine relies on oral consumption. Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, a Dominican priest and molecular biologist said that he is currently developing a new vaccine that is based on a yeast system.
He claimed that his invention would be effective against the coronavirus disease and other new COVID-19 variants.
"We are developing two vaccines now-- one for the original virus and we have some for the variants as well," Austriaco said via GMA Network's latest report, a local Filipino media outlet.
"As you know the variants are taking over the Philippines so we need to develop a version of this vaccine that would be effective against the variants as well," he added.
Is this new oral COVID-19 vaccine effective?
The developer of this new oral vaccine has a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is also a trained yeast expert for 25 years. This means that his invention could be effective, but it will still depend on the outcome of the tests that will be conducted.
Austriaco explained that his medicine would produce a spike protein within the human body, which is how most COVID-19 vaccines work. He added that this method would trigger the immune response of a patient against the virus that causes the deadly disease.
On the other hand, the priest explained that patients could mix the new vaccine with water, milk, beer, and wine, allowing them to consume it easily.
Aside from this, he also explained that his yeast-based coronavirus vaccine doesn't need to be refrigerated. The expert claimed that it could be stored at room temperature.
Although the developer confirmed that it is not 100% effective, he explained that his vaccine could be used to prevent an infected patient from getting hospitalized.
Are there other oral COVID-19 vaccines?
WebMD previously confirmed that a new joint venture of the Indian company Premas and the Israeli-American company Oramed, is currently developing a new COVID-19 vaccine. Oravax Medical claimed that this medicine could be taken just like swallowing a pill. If you want to know more details, all you need to do is click here.
For more news updates about new COVID-19 vaccines and other medical innovations, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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Written by: Giuliano de Leon
