MRNA-1283

MRNA-1283 is a vaccine candidate developed by Moderna, a biotechnology company based in the United States. It is designed to protect against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. The vaccine is based on mRNA technology, similar to Moderna's first COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA-1273.

Development

Moderna began development of MRNA-1283 in 2021, following the successful authorization and distribution of its first COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA-1273. The new vaccine candidate is designed to be stored at refrigerator temperatures, making it easier to distribute than mRNA-1273, which requires ultra-cold storage.

Mechanism of Action

Like other mRNA vaccines, MRNA-1283 works by instructing cells to produce a protein that triggers an immune response. The vaccine contains a small piece of the SARS-CoV-2 virus's mRNA, which cells use as a blueprint to build the virus's spike protein. The immune system then recognizes this protein as foreign and produces antibodies against it. If the person is later exposed to the actual virus, these antibodies can help protect against infection.

Clinical Trials

As of 2022, MRNA-1283 is in Phase 1/2 clinical trials. These trials are designed to test the vaccine's safety, dosage, and immune response in humans. The results of these trials will determine whether the vaccine moves on to Phase 3 trials, which test the vaccine's efficacy in a larger population.

Potential Advantages

One potential advantage of MRNA-1283 is its storage requirements. Unlike mRNA-1273, which must be stored at ultra-cold temperatures, MRNA-1283 can be stored at refrigerator temperatures. This could make the vaccine easier to distribute, particularly in areas with limited access to ultra-cold storage.

Another potential advantage is that MRNA-1283 may provide protection against multiple variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This is because the vaccine is designed to target the entire spike protein of the virus, rather than just a specific part of it.

See Also

• COVID-19 vaccine
• Moderna
• mRNA-1273
• mRNA vaccines
• SARS-CoV-2