Innovative research into new vaccines

Volker Thiel, Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), and Vetsuisse Faculty of the University of Bern. Courtesy of Volker Thiel - Projects taking part in the National Research Programme "Covid-19" (NRP 78) of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) are pursuing highly promising approaches in a drive to develop new vaccines. One of them is a nasal spray which is being developed by the group of the virologist Volker Thiel. Three research groups have adopted interesting approaches to the highly topical issue of vaccines. The team led by Steve Pascolo is investigating ways of improving functionality and stability of mRNA vaccines, Cornel Fraefel and his researchers are aiming to produce a bacterial spore-based oral vaccine, and Volker Thiel's team are developing a vaccine that can be administered as a nasal spray. A broad range of vaccines is an advantage in combating the virus: for example, it increases the likelihood that we will be better prepared for new variants of the virus and makes vaccines more accessible the world over. Innovative methods such as oral vaccination or nasal sprays could make it even easier to get vaccinated.