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2021-03-02 Science & Technology

Merck Throws Manufacturing Might Behind Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

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Posted by g(r)omgoru 2021-03-02 17:46|| || Front Page|| [5 views ] Top

#1 I learned something interesting recently. There are basically 4 categories of COVID vaccine under development: 1. mRNA, 2. adenovirus 3. protein spike 4. attenuated virus.

The 2 vaccines on the market are both mRNA. That's because it's the easiest and fastest to make. It's never been done before, so we really don't know about long term safety, though this category has been studied for some time now.

Numbers 3 and 4 represent traditional vaccine technology, though we seem to be moving away from attenuated virus. The protein spike type is what we use for Hep B and HPV. Conceptually this should be pretty safe as it only introduces a key portion of the spike protein, not the virus and not genetic material. Currently GSK/Sunofi and Novavax have these types of vaccine in phase 2 trials. So, if you want a COVID vaccination and aren't in a hurry, but aren't 100% on the mRNA stuff, you might consider waiting for these to hit the market.

Yes, I realize this is way oversimplified.

Posted by Angstrom 2021-03-02 18:44|| 2021-03-02 18:44|| Front Page Top

#2 Au contraire, Angstrom; I appreciate it.

Posted by Raj 2021-03-02 18:47|| 2021-03-02 18:47|| Front Page Top

#3 Johnson & Johnson being the adenovirus type.

non-replicating viral vectors, using an adenovirus shell containing DNA that encodes a SARS‑CoV‑2 protein. ... non-replicating, meaning that they do not make new virus particles, but rather produce only the antigen which elicits a systemic immune response

Posted by Bobby 2021-03-02 18:56|| 2021-03-02 18:56|| Front Page Top

#4 Another victory for Joe and company!

Posted by Bobby 2021-03-02 19:39|| 2021-03-02 19:39|| Front Page Top

#5 #1 - thank you

Posted by Frank G 2021-03-02 20:23|| 2021-03-02 20:23|| Front Page Top

#6 Very helpful, Rabbit Angstrom.
Simplifying complexity is a great and worthy skill. Thank you.

Posted by Harcourt Ulenter4509 2021-03-02 21:36|| 2021-03-02 21:36|| Front Page Top

#7 Awesome Angstrom! It may be worth noting that the non-replicating adenovirus (J&J) does require that DNA make its way into the nucleus where Folks DNA resides in order to be made into mRNA that then goes to the cytoplasm and ribosomes to be template for making the proteins that Pts immune systems then produce antibodies against. This may be problematic for those that wish their cell nuclei be inviolate wrt possible incorporation of viral DNA into their genome/ I understand the mRNA vaccines don't require acces to the cell nucleus to be effective- hence no chance of alteration of Pt DNA... That said the J&J vaccine that can be shipped and stored at refrigerator temps and is a single dose is my big hope to be able to provide vaccine to Pts out of my office. The current practice of requiring vaccinations at large public venues or busy pharmacies/grocery stores reminds me of Hickham Field early on Dec 7 1941; High risk and High value assets all lined up and vulnerable to a single pass....

Posted by SatchF15 2021-03-02 21:52|| 2021-03-02 21:52|| Front Page Top

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