Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents a diverse range of symptoms, with common manifestations including fever, cough, fatigue, and in severe cases, pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. At our company, we are committed to advancing the fight against COVID-19 through comprehensive vaccine and therapy development services.
Introduction to COVID-19
The global health emergency known as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) stemmed from the emergence of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Initially detected in Wuhan, China, in late 2019, the virus swiftly spread worldwide, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a pandemic. COVID-19 primarily impacts the respiratory system, showcasing symptoms that range from mild to severe, such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. In critical instances, the disease can progress to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and potentially fatal outcomes.
Fig.1 A structure of Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronavirus. (Ahmad S., 2022)
Vaccine Development for COVID-19
Viral Vector Vaccines
Viral vector vaccines, including the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, employ a modified version of a different virus (not the coronavirus) to deliver genetic material that codes for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. This approach also elicits an immune response. The safety and efficacy of these vaccines have been validated.
mRNA Vaccines
mRNA vaccines, such as those developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, utilize messenger RNA to instruct cells to produce a harmless piece of the spike protein found on the surface of SARS-CoV-2. This prompts an immune response, training the body to recognize and combat the virus upon exposure.
Protein Subunit Vaccines
Protein subunit vaccines, such as Novavax, contain harmless pieces of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (protein subunits) that stimulate an immune response without the risk of causing disease. This type of vaccine offers a well-established method of inducing immunity and has shown promise in evaluations.
Inactivated or Live Attenuated Vaccines
Inactivated vaccines, such as those developed by Sinovac and Sinopharm, use virus particles that have been killed or inactivated, ensuring they cannot cause disease. Live attenuated vaccines use weakened forms of the virus. Research in this area continues to evolve, with several candidates undergoing trials.
Therapeutics Development for COVID-19
Therapies for COVID-19 have been developed to target different aspects of the disease, from antiviral therapeutics to immune modulators.
- Antiviral Drugs: Remdesivir, for example, interferes with the virus's replication process. Favipiravir is another antiviral that inhibits the RNA polymerase of the virus.
- Immunomodulators: Baricitinib, a JAK inhibitor, reduces inflammation and the cytokine storm associated with severe COVID-19.
- Corticosteroids: Dexamethasone has been shown to reduce mortality in severe cases by dampening the overactive immune response.
- Antibody Therapies: Monoclonal antibodies, such as bamlanivimab and etesevimab, target the virus directly, helping the body fight the virus.
Table 1 Drugs and Therapies for COVID-19. (Ahmad S., 2022)
|
Drug |
Dosage |
Method of administration |
Duration |
| IFN-α |
5 million U or equivalent dose each time, 2 times/day |
Vapor inhalation |
No more than 10 days |
| Lopinavir/ritonavir |
200 mg/50 mg/capsule, 2 capsules each time, 2 times/day |
Oral |
No more than 10 days |
| Ribavirin |
500 mg each time, 2 to 3 times/day in combination with IFN-α or lopinavir/ritonavir |
Intravenous infusion |
No more than 10 days |
| Chloroquine phosphate |
500 mg (300 mg for chloroquine) each time, 2 times/day |
Oral |
No more than 10 days |
| Arbidol |
200 mg each time, 3 times/day |
Oral |
No more than 10 days |
Our Services
At the forefront of the industry, our company offers comprehensive services aimed at developing vaccines and therapies to combat COVID-19. Tailored to assist researchers and pharmaceutical firms, our services facilitate the introduction of effective solutions to the market.
Preclinical Research
- Pharmacodynamics Study Services
- Pharmacokinetics Study Services
- Drug Safety Evaluation Services
Disease Models
- hACE2 Transgenic Mouse Models
- K18-hACE2 Mouse Models
- hACE2-KI Mouse Models
- Mouse Models Sensitized by AAV/Adenovirus Transduction
- Non-Human Primates (NHPs)
We conduct extensive in vitro assays to assess the efficacy of vaccine candidates and therapeutic agents against SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, our in vivo studies evaluate safety, immunogenicity, and pharmacokinetics, providing critical data for advancing candidates into clinical trials. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Ahmad, Shmmon. "A review of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease-2019) diagnosis, treatments and prevention." Authorea Preprints (2022).
- Sanders, James M., et al. "Pharmacologic treatments for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a review." Jama 323.18 (2020): 1824-1836.
- Zhao, Jing, et al. "COVID-19: coronavirus vaccine development updates." Frontiers in immunology 11 (2020): 602256.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
