US develops vaccine that could protect against COVID-19

A new method of vaccination was presented by specialists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The mRNA vaccine was placed inside a capsule to be swallowed.

Study co-author Giovanni Traverso noted that RNA vaccines are currently administered primarily through injections. But this method is not suitable for all people: for example, injections are difficult for children or patients who are terribly afraid of needles. At the same time, the acidic environment in the stomach can reduce the effectiveness of vaccines and drugs.

In a new study, Traverso and colleagues have shown that they can use capsules to deliver up to 150 micrograms of RNA. This is more than the amount of nucleic acid in current coronavirus vaccines - they typically contain 30-100 micrograms of nucleic acid.

The capsule is packaged in a protective shell and equipped with microneedles. It passes through the digestive system naturally. In the stomach, the microneedles attach to the walls and the payload is released into the blood. After that, the capsule dissolves and leaves the body.

Similarly, insulin can also be delivered into the bloodstream - and save people with diabetes from the need to regularly inject themselves. In addition, the capsule will help in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers.

The authors of the study also noted that there are many immune cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Stimulation of the immune system of the stomach and intestines is a well-known way to create an immune response, a reaction to foreign agents in the body, such as viruses. Therefore, scientists admit that the introduction of vaccines using capsules may be more promising than traditional injections.