US Invests $500M to Develop Next-Gen Covid Vaccines Like Nasal Sprays and Skin Patches

The US Department of Health and Human Services is providing over $500 million in funding to help develop next-generation Covid-19 vaccines like nasal sprays and skin patches.

Two intranasal vaccine candidates will receive funding - one from CastleVax and one from Codagenix. Intranasal sprays could provide immunity right at the initial site of infection.

A self-amplifying mRNA vaccine from Gritstone Bio will also receive funding. It creates copies of itself at the cellular level so lower doses can provide broader, longer-lasting immunity.

Future vaccine delivery methods could include skin patches, which may have benefits like longer shelf life and ease of use.

Companies are also developing two-in-one vaccines that protect against both flu and Covid-19, with the goal of combined vaccines in the future.