McMaster University’s quest for an oral COVID vaccine moving ahead of schedule

A potential oral vaccine for COVID has moved to the next stage of testing by McMaster University faster than expected.

The hope is the dissolving strips that go on the inside of the cheek or under the tongue will generate an immune response to COVID.

The QuickStrip is currently being tested on mice and has already been proven to deliver proteins through the mouth to elicit antibody production. The next phase is to show it has the same result with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

One big benefit of the oral vaccine is that it doesn't need refrigeration or needles so it could be distributed quickly to all parts of the world.

We are extremely pleased with the rapid progress of this important research endeavour offering a global solution that is positioned to resolve many of the current vaccine distribution and rollout challenges," said Mark Upsdell, CEO of Rapid Dose Therapeutics (RDT).

The Burlington biotechnology company is partnering with McMaster to try to create the RDT QuickStrip.

Joanna Frketich is a Hamilton-based reporter covering health for The Spectator. Reach her via email: jfrketich@thespec.com