Thread by @AliNouriPhD, 1/Next US Vaccine:@Novavax began Phase 3 Trial. KEY difference: While Moderna/Pfizer deliver [...]

Next US Vaccine

: @Novavax began Phase 3 Trial. KEY difference: While Moderna/Pfizer deliver genetic material (mRNA) that our cells subsequently turn into Spike protein, #Novavax delivers the Spike protein directly. To do that, they first have to make Spike protein in a lab

1/Next US Vaccine: @Novavax began Phase 3 Trial. KEY difference: While Moderna/Pfizer deliver genetic material (mRNA) that our cells subsequently turn into Spike protein, #Novavax delivers the Spike protein directly. To do that, they first have to make Spike protein in a lab

2/That's done by taking the Spike DNA

and splicing it into a larger piece of DNA that is used to deliver genes into cells that are growing in a lab. Those cells "read" the DNA, turn it into RNA, and then into proteins. The Spike proteins are then harvested and purified.

2/That's done by taking the Spike DNAand splicing it into a larger piece of DNA that is used to deliver genes into cells that are growing in a lab. Those cells "read" the DNA, turn it into RNA, and then into proteins. The Spike proteins are then harvested and purified.

3/Next, Spike proteins are mixed with the delivery vehicle: synthetic particles, or "nanoparticles" that are about the size of the virus. Nanoparticles get studded with a bunch of Spike proteins. Those Spike proteins train and boost our immune system. https://rb.gy/i1lnb9

4/This "Recombinant DNA Vaccine" technology isn't new. It's been around since 1986 when it was developed to be used against Hepatitis B. Its used to safely and effectively vaccinate infants against that disease. https://www.nature.com/articles/d42859-020-00016-5

First recombinant DNA vaccine for HBV

Discover the world’s best science and medicine | Nature.com

https://www.nature.com/articles/d42859-020-00016-5

5/NIH announcement on Phase 3 of #Novavax clinical trial https://twitter.com/NIH/status/1343574559874666497?s=20