Just How Promising Is Moderna's COVID-19 Vaccine?
Among more than 100 experimental vaccines in development for the treatment of COVID-19, three leading candidates made by Cansino, Moderna (NASDAQ: MRNA), and Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) have advanced into phase 2 clinical studies.
Moderna is advancing to phase 2 clinical trials with its vaccine before data from phase 1 was even published. Moderna is expecting to commence its investigation shortly and plans to start phase 3 clinical trials early this summer. Is there something else going on behind the scenes hinting that the experimental vaccine shows promise?
Moderna's experimental vaccine mRNA-1273 is currently undergoing phase 1 clinical trials. The vaccine is composed of messenger RiboNucleic Acids -- which are chains of nucleotides containing genetic information for cells to produce the antigens encoded in its helical structure. Once the vaccine is administered to patients, the cells transcribe the genetic information from mRNA and produce the corresponding antigens on its surface. Then the body's immune system is able to recognize the antigens and generate antibodies to produce an immune response.
mRNA-1273 is specifically designed to target the spike protein (S-protein) found in COVID-19, which facilitates the virus's entry into host cells by mediating the attachment receptors between the two types of organisms. If the vaccine is successful, then it would induce the immune system to produce antibodies against the S-protein and completely disrupt COVID-19's replication process inside the human body.
Source Fool.com
