EARTH.COM - Scientists at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) has recently developed a revolutionary RNA-based strategy for a universal vaccine capable of combating any virus strain effectively and safely – even in infants and the immunocompromised. This innovative approach could transform how vaccines are developed and administered across the globe.
Traditionally, vaccines are designed to anticipate the most prevalent strains of viruses like influenza and COVID-19, which requires yearly updates and reformulations. However, this new RNA-based vaccine eliminates the need for multiple versions by targeting a common component of the viral genome across all strains.
Broadly applicable vaccine
“What I want to emphasize about this vaccine strategy is that it is broad,” said Rong Hai, a virologist at UCR. “It is broadly applicable to any number of viruses, broadly effective against any variant of a virus, and safe for a broad spectrum of people. This could be the universal vaccine that we have been looking for.”