Akhane Thiphavong Offers Insight into mRNA/LNP-Based and Adenoviral COVID-19 Vaccines

    DETROIT, MI, October 23, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Akhane Thiphavong, a healthcare expert with a diverse background in pharmacy, nanotechnology, and regenerative medicine, recently shared his perspective on the ongoing comparison between mRNA/LNP-based vaccines and adenoviral vector COVID-19 vaccines. Reflecting on recent reports, Akhane Thiphavong provided insights into the differences between these two types of vaccines, each of which played a crucial role in combatting the global COVID-19 pandemic.

mRNA/LNP-Based Vaccines: Innovation in a Time of Crisis
Akhane Thiphavong highlighted the incredible speed at which mRNA/LNP-based vaccines were developed and deployed during the pandemic, particularly those created by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna. These vaccines use mRNA to instruct cells to produce the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, triggering an immune response. As Akhane Thiphavong points out, researchers like Mascellino et al. were pivotal in explaining how this mechanism works by allowing the immune system to recognize and neutralize the virus.

"The use of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to deliver mRNA was a game-changer," Akhane Thiphavong explained. "It ensured that the mRNA could enter cells and avoid degradation long enough to trigger an immune response." He referenced Morais and his colleagues, who noted that LNPs protect the fragile mRNA and facilitate its entry into muscle cells, translating it into the viral spike protein, prompting the body to create antibodies.

Akhane Thiphavong further emphasized that the speed at which mRNA/LNP vaccines were developed was unmatched, with Pfizer/BioNTech's vaccine becoming the first approved for emergency use. He acknowledged that the mRNA-based vaccines have proven highly effective, with Polack and fellow researchers reporting efficacy rates as high as 95%.

Akhane Thiphavong noted that mRNA/LNP vaccines have challenges despite their success. The need for ultra-cold storage has complicated logistics, especially in low-resource areas. Akhane Thiphavong explained that this was a pivotal point raised by Mascellino, who discussed the cold chain requirements as a major obstacle for global distribution.

Adenoviral Vector Vaccines: A More Traditional Approach
On the other hand, Akhane Thiphavong noted adenoviral vector vaccines, such as AstraZeneca's ChAdOx1 and Johnson & Johnson's Ad26.COV2.S, take a more traditional approach to immunization. They use a modified adenovirus to deliver the genetic instructions for producing the viral spike protein. Akhane Thiphavong highlighted research by Fathizadeh et al., which details how the adenoviral vector is engineered to be replication-deficient. This ensures that it cannot cause illness while generating an immune response.

"The adenoviral vector vaccines offered a more stable alternative in terms of storage," Akhane Thiphavong noted. "These vaccines can be kept at standard refrigeration temperatures, making them easier to distribute in regions with limited cold chain infrastructure."

Akhane Thiphavong pointed out that Johnson & Johnson's vaccine, for example, requires only a single dose, making it a convenient option for mass vaccination efforts. However, he acknowledged that adenoviral vector vaccines also have their drawbacks. Akhane Thiphavong referenced Krause and colleagues, who highlighted rare cases of blood clotting associated with the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, which led to temporary pauses in their use in some countries.
Efficacy and Real-world Performance

In terms of real-world performance, Akhane Thiphavong explained that mRNA/LNP-based and adenoviral vector vaccines had shown high efficacy rates in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infection and reducing hospitalization. Akhane Thiphavong cited Polack's findings, which showed the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine had a 95% efficacy rate in fully vaccinated individuals. In comparison, the AstraZeneca vaccine demonstrated a 76% efficacy rate after the first dose, as outlined by Voysey et al.

However, Akhane Thiphavong noted that both vaccine types saw reduced efficacy against emerging variants such as Delta. Lopez Bernal and his team stated that while the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine still showed strong protection against the Delta variant, its efficacy dropped to around 91%. Adenoviral vector vaccines, such as AstraZeneca's, also saw reduced efficacy against new variants, as noted by Madhi and colleagues.

"Despite the slight reduction in efficacy, both types of vaccines remained essential in preventing severe illness and hospitalization," Akhane Thiphavong explained. "The ability of these vaccines to protect against severe outcomes, even with variants in circulation, has been critical."

Future Challenges and Innovations
Looking ahead, Akhane Thiphavong emphasized the need for continued research and innovation to address the challenges posed by both vaccine types. One key issue is how long immunity from these vaccines will last. "There's still uncertainty around the longevity of vaccine protection," Akhane Thiphavong said, referencing concerns raised by Krause and colleagues.

Another challenge lies in ensuring that vaccines remain effective against future variants. "We may need booster shots or even new vaccines to maintain immunity," Akhane Thiphavong said, echoing the views of Zhang and other researchers, who stressed the importance of flexibility in vaccine design for future outbreaks.

Akhane Thiphavong also called for improvements in the storage and distribution of mRNA/LNP vaccines. This suggests that future formulations should aim to reduce the cold storage requirements that have complicated their distribution.

Recap
In summarizing his thoughts on the report, Akhane Thiphavong highlighted that mRNA/LNP-based and adenoviral vector vaccines have been vital in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. While each type has its strengths and weaknesses, their combined use has helped reduce the virus's global spread and protect millions of people from severe illness.

"The pandemic has highlighted the importance of vaccine innovation," Akhane Thiphavong concluded. "Both mRNA and adenoviral vector technologies have proven their worth, but we must continue to build on these successes to prepare for future public health challenges."

To learn more visit: https://akhanethiphavong.com

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