The Hexapro Vaccine: A Game-Changer for Global Access to COVID-19 Vaccines

In recent times, the world has witnessed a remarkable breakthrough in the development of vaccines against COVID-19. One such vaccine that has gained significant attention is the Hexapro vaccine, also known as NDV-HXP-S. This vaccine candidate has been designed to provide global access to COVID-19 vaccines, particularly for middle- and low-income countries.

The ease of manufacturing process makes the Hexapro vaccine a game-changer in the fight against the pandemic. Thai health minister Anutin Charnvirakul aptly described it as 'produced by Thai people for Thai people.' The Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) is conducting clinical trials in coordination with Mahidol University, while Mexico-based Avimex plans to create an intranasal spray version of the vaccine.

In Brazil, the Butantan Institute announced its intention to begin clinical trials on March 26, 2021. São Paulo governor João Doria displayed the vaccine at a press conference, marking a significant milestone in the development process. As of December 2021, NDV-HXP-S is undergoing clinical trials in humans in at least four countries.

What sets Hexapro apart from other vaccines is its ability to be produced using chicken eggs, similar to influenza vaccine production. This makes it more accessible and cost-effective for middle- and low-income countries. The vaccine uses the Newcastle disease virus as its viral vector and has been stabilized by Jason McLellan from the University of Texas at Austin.

The name NDV-HXP-S comes from the terms Newcastle disease virus, HexaPro, and spike protein. The development of this vaccine is a collaborative effort involving Peter Palese, Adolfo García-Sastre, and Florian Krammer at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

In conclusion, the Hexapro vaccine has the potential to revolutionize global access to COVID-19 vaccines. Its ease of manufacturing process, combined with its affordability and effectiveness, make it an attractive option for middle- and low-income countries. As clinical trials continue to progress, we can expect significant advancements in the fight against this pandemic.