India has launched the first-of-its-kind intranasal COVID-19 vaccine in the country called iNCOVACC.
Bharat Biotech’s vaccine was developed in association with the University of Washington. Early studies showed that nasal delivery of this vaccine creates a strong immune response throughout the body.
Here are some interesting facts about the vaccine:
The intranasal vaccine can be used as a primary and booster dose for adults;
The vaccine costs INR 800 ($10.50) in India at private pharmacies and INR 325 ($4) through the government. Its manufacturer, Bharat Biotech, said that it was designed to be economical and is targeted at low- and middle-income countries;
iNCOVACC is stable at 2-8°C and can be stored in a household refrigerator;
Experts say iNCOVACC's delivery mechanism can generate immunity in the mucosal membrane (in the nose and mouth) and better protect against COVID infection, the first site of infection;
China likewise approved an inhalable COVID vaccine Convidecia Air last September administered in the form of a spray developed by CanSino Biologics Inc.