VLA2001
VLA2001 is Valneva COVID-19 vaccine. It was developed by French biotechnology company Valneva SE collaboration.
About VLA2001
It is a whole virus inactivated vaccine. The inactivated vaccine consists of virus particles that were grown in culture. During the process, the disease-causing pathogens are destroyed. On the other hand, the live vaccines use pathogens that are still alive. It also contains two alum, adjuvants and CpG 1018. It is used as a two dose regimen.
Role of Adjuvants in VLA2001
Adjuvant is a substance that is used to increase the immune response of the vaccine.
Role of Alum in VLA2001
The Alum is made of Aluminium. The aluminium compounds enhance the immune response by stimulating the dendritic cells. The vaccine antigens (viral component that induces immune response) adsorb to the alum. When injected, they come out from the antigens. They then stimulate the immune system to create a response against the viral components.
How is Valneva vaccine created?
The whole virus is killed using heat, chemicals or radiation. The dead virus is injected into human body. It triggers the immune system to act against the viral components. However, it will not harm the human system.
How is VLA2001 different from COVID-19 vaccine?
The VLA2001 is vero-based cell. It is a whole virus inactivated vaccine. Meaning, other vaccines use only some of the viral components or a part of the virus to create the vaccine. The VLA2001 was created using one completely virus. In layman terms, one complete live virus was taken, killed and then the adjuvants and alum were added to create the vaccine.
Clinical Trials
The first and second phases of the Clinical trials of VLA2001 were held in United Kingdom. The trials were supported by National Institute for Health Research and four British Universities. The third phase of the trials were held in New Zealand.
Deliverance
In 2020, Valneva signed an agreement with Dynavax. Under the agreement, 100 million doses of vaccine are to be manufactured in Scotland. And also, 190 million doses are to be delivered to the UK Government over five-year period.
