The trouble with a Nobel for mRNA Covid vaccines
Source: The Hindu
For Prelims: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains: General Studies III: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
Highlights of the Article
COVID-19 Pandemic
mRNA
mRNA Vaccines
COVAX
Corbevax
Context
The 2023 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for developing the mRNA vaccine technology that became the foundation for history’s fastest vaccine development programme during the COVID-19 pandemic
UPSC EXAM NOTES ANALYSIS:
1.What is mRNA?
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a type of genetic material that plays a crucial role in the process of protein synthesis within cells.
It serves as an intermediary between DNA and proteins in the cell, carrying the genetic instructions needed to build proteins from the cell's nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where protein synthesis occurs
Key features and functions of mRNA:
- mRNA carries genetic information from the DNA in the cell's nucleus to the ribosomes, which are the cellular machinery responsible for assembling proteins
- The process of creating mRNA from a DNA template is called transcription. During transcription, a specific segment of DNA is used as a template to synthesize a complementary mRNA strand.
- The mRNA strand is synthesized in such a way that it represents a copy of the genetic information encoded in the DNA, with thymine (T) in DNA being replaced by uracil (U) in mRNA
- mRNA consists of a series of nucleotide triplets called codons. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid or serves as a start or stop signal for protein synthesis.
- There are 64 possible codons, each specifying one of the 20 different amino acids used in protein synthesis
- Once mRNA is synthesized, it exits the nucleus and moves to the cytoplasm, where ribosomes read the codons on the mRNA strand to assemble amino acids in the correct order, forming a polypeptide chain. This chain eventually folds into a functional protein.
- mRNA is relatively short-lived within the cell. It is synthesized when needed for protein production and is then rapidly degraded once its role in protein synthesis is complete.
- mRNA sequences can vary among individuals and among cells within an individual. This variability allows cells to produce specific proteins in response to various signals and environmental conditions.
2.mRNA Vaccine
mRNA vaccines are a groundbreaking type of vaccine that use synthetic messenger RNA (mRNA) to trigger an immune response in the body. Unlike traditional vaccines, which often contain weakened or inactivated forms of the pathogen (such as a virus) or pieces of it (such as proteins), mRNA vaccines do not contain the pathogen itself.
Instead, they provide the body with the genetic instructions (mRNA) needed to produce a harmless piece of the pathogen, typically a protein, which then stimulates an immune response
The first mRNA vaccine to receive emergency use authorization (EUA) and widespread use was the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. It was co-developed by the American pharmaceutical company Pfizer and the German biotechnology company BioNTech. The vaccine is known as BNT162b2 or Comirnaty
2.1.Function of mRNA vaccine
- The function of an mRNA vaccine is to stimulate an immune response in the body against a specific pathogen, such as a virus, by introducing a small piece of synthetic messenger RNA (mRNA) that encodes a harmless piece of the pathogen's protein
- Scientists design and synthesize a short piece of mRNA in the laboratory. This synthetic mRNA contains the genetic instructions for producing a specific protein that is found on the surface of the target pathogen
- To protect the fragile mRNA and facilitate its entry into human cells, the synthetic mRNA is encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles. These lipid nanoparticles serve as delivery vehicles for the mRNA
- The mRNA vaccine is administered to the recipient through a standard intramuscular injection, usually into the upper arm
- The lipid nanoparticles containing the synthetic mRNA are taken up by host cells at the injection site
- Once inside the host cells, the synthetic mRNA is recognized by the cell's protein synthesis machinery, including ribosomes.
- The ribosomes read the mRNA sequence and start producing the specific protein encoded by the mRNA.
- In the case of mRNA vaccines, this protein is a piece of the pathogen (e.g., a part of the spike protein of the virus).
- The newly produced viral protein is displayed on the surface of the host cells. This protein is harmless and cannot cause the disease itself, but it serves as a marker for the immune system.
- The immune system of the recipient recognizes the displayed viral protein as foreign and potentially harmful. This recognition triggers a robust immune response, including the production of antibodies specific to the viral protein
3. Vaccines burden on Public funds due to COVID-19
- The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a significant burden on public funds due to the cost of vaccines.
- The Indian government has spent billions of rupees on procuring and distributing vaccines, and this has come at a time when the country is facing a number of other economic challenges.
- According to a report by the Center for Policy Research, the Indian government spent an estimated Rs. 50,000-70,000 crore on COVID-19 vaccines in 2021-22. This is equivalent to about 0.36% of the country's GDP.
- The cost of vaccines has been a major concern for many state governments in India. Some states have even had to cut back on other essential spending in order to afford vaccines.
- For example, the state of Uttar Pradesh cut its budget for education by 10% in 2021-22 in order to free up funds for vaccines.
- The high cost of vaccines has also led to concerns about equity. In India, there is a large disparity in wealth between different states and social groups. This means that some people are able to afford vaccines more easily than others.
- The government of India has taken some steps to address the burden of vaccines on public funds.
- For example, the government has negotiated discounts with vaccine manufacturers and has also provided financial assistance to state governments.
- However, more needs to be done to ensure that everyone in India has access to affordable vaccines.
4. How COVAX Vaccine helped poor Countries?
COVAX, formally known as the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access Facility, is a global initiative aimed at ensuring equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for countries, including lower-income and poorer nations.
COVAX was established to address the disparities in access to vaccines and to help poorer countries by providing them with access to vaccines
Here are some specific examples of how COVAX has helped poor countries:
- India: COVAX has delivered over 1.8 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to India, which has helped to vaccinate millions of people.
- Bangladesh: COVAX has delivered over 163 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to Bangladesh, which has helped to vaccinate over 60% of the population.
- Nepal: COVAX has delivered over 15 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to Nepal, which has helped to vaccinate over 50% of the population.
- Pakistan: COVAX has delivered over 140 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to Pakistan, which has helped to vaccinate over 40% of the population.
- Sri Lanka: COVAX has delivered over 13 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to Sri Lanka, which has helped to vaccinate over 30% of the population
5.Way forward
Governments and international organizations have recognized the importance of funding vaccination efforts and have mobilized resources accordingly. Funding for vaccines has been a global priority, and collaborations between governments, pharmaceutical companies, and organizations like COVAX have aimed to ensure that vaccines are accessible to people worldwide
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Practice Mains Questions
1."Discuss the significance of mRNA technology in the development of COVID-19 vaccines. How has this technology revolutionized vaccine development? What are the implications for future vaccine research and development?"
2."Examine the role of international initiatives like COVAX in ensuring equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. What challenges and opportunities do such initiatives present in addressing global health disparities?"
3."Analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public health systems and vaccine development. How have mRNA vaccines contributed to pandemic control and preparedness for future health emergencies?"
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