A major breakthrough in the R&D of mRNA and adenovirus vector vaccines targeting COVID-19 has been achieved by Zhuhai Lifanda Biotechnology in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Science & Technology Industrial Park of Cooperation Between Guangdong & Macao.

A team led by Peng Yucai, chairman of Lifanda Biotechnology, managed to develop a standard vaccine sample in eight days. They collaborated with the Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute of the provincial Department of Science & Technology, and Macao University of Science & Technology. The vaccine was sent on Feb 1 to national authorities for experiments on animals and tests for pharmaceutical effects. 

Ongoing R&D of COVID-19 vaccines [Photo provided by Zhuhai Lifanda Biotechnology to Guanhai App] 

Unlike traditional vaccines, the mRNA vaccine is said to be safer, longer-acting, and easier to produce, making it suitable to tackle the outbreak of infectious diseases. The antibody generated after the injection of the mRNA vaccine would enfold the spike (S) protein of the novel coronavirus and prevent it from binding to receptors on host cells.

The enterprise forms part of the newly founded Technological Innovation Alliance of Vaccine R&D for Emerging Infectious Diseases together with 26 universities, scientific research institutions, and vaccine R&D and production companies under the guidance of the Department of Science & Technology of Guangdong Province.

In addition to a candidate genetically engineered recombinant subunit vaccine, the mRNA and adenovirus vector vaccines developed by the alliance reportedly can induce rats and monkeys to generate high levels of antibodies. It currently is undergoing immunity protective testing.

Lifanda has focused on mRNA R&D since 2017 and obtained multiple invention patents in drug design and production and preparation delivery. Its mRNA rabies vaccine is already under preclinical research.