Date : 06/10/2023

Relevance – GS Paper 3 – Science and Technology

Keywords – Nobel Prize, mRNA Vaccine, Indian Nobel Laureates, Ethical Concerns

Context –

The 2023 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine has been conferred upon Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman in recognition of their groundbreaking contributions to mRNA vaccine technology. The award highlights the immense societal impact of their work, although when solely evaluated from a scientific standpoint, the subset of mRNA vaccines employed during the COVID-19 pandemic might not entirely align with traditional criteria.

What is mRNA Vaccine?

mRNA vaccines operate by introducing a segment of messenger RNA (mRNA), a single-stranded RNA molecule essential in protein synthesis. This mRNA is synthesized from a DNA template during transcription.

These vaccines function by delivering a specific mRNA fragment corresponding to a viral protein, typically a small portion of a protein present on the virus's outer surface. Cells utilize this mRNA to generate the viral protein. As part of the body's natural immune response, the immune system identifies the protein as foreign and produces specialized proteins known as antibodies.

These antibodies play a crucial role in safeguarding the body against infections by recognizing individual viruses or other harmful microorganisms. They attach to these pathogens, labeling them for destruction. Notably, once antibodies are created, they persist in the body even after the pathogen has been eliminated. This persistence enables the immune system to swiftly respond if exposed to the same threat again.

The Nobel Dilemma: mRNA Vaccines and Ethical Concerns

Scientific Collaboration and Commercialization

In the late 1990s, scientists Katalin Karikó and Dr. Weissman collaborated on mRNA research at the University of Pennsylvania. The University licensed its patents, leading to a cascade of sublicenses, eventually benefitting companies like Moderna and BioNTech, each paying substantial sums for access to this groundbreaking technology. Karikó's pivotal role continued, eventually contributing to the development of mRNA vaccines, notably in partnership with Pfizer for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Public Funding vs. Corporate Profits

A significant portion of the foundational research for drugs and vaccines relies on public funds. This essential stage involves risky and time-consuming exploration of potential biomolecular targets and suitable chemical candidates, often costing billions and spanning decades. Ironically, the same public whose taxes funded these discoveries often find themselves on the losing end when private companies capitalize on this research.

Global Access and Ethical Complexities

While companies like Moderna and Pfizer harnessed mRNA technology for COVID-19 vaccines, concerns arose over their prioritization of self-interest. They stockpiled vaccines for themselves before considering global distribution, creating challenges, especially for countries like India. Complications further emerged due to prolonged negotiations over pricing and liability issues, highlighting the ethical complexities of vaccine commercialization and global accessibility.

COVAX Initiative and Its Challenges

Overview of COVAX Program

The COVAX Program, standing for COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access, was a global endeavor orchestrated by the GAVI vaccine alliance. Part of the broader Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator initiated in 2020 by the WHO, the European Commission, and the government of France, COVAX aimed for fair and widespread access to COVID-19 vaccines. This effort was particularly focused on low-to-middle-income nations and was facilitated by UNICEF, leveraging its expertise as the world's largest vaccine buyer, managing vaccine procurement, logistics, and delivery.

COVAX's Struggles and Hindrances

Regrettably, the COVAX initiative faced significant setbacks in achieving its objectives. While India, Russia, and China exported substantial vaccine quantities, challenges emerged. India's manufacturing capacity was overestimated, causing production limitations. Quality concerns surfaced in Russia and China. Tragically, several African countries had to discard large quantities of vaccine doses due to their proximity to expiration dates, highlighting the complexities of global vaccine distribution.

The Corbevax Initiative: Dr. Karikó's Alternate Path

Innovative Vaccine Development

A team of researchers, including those from the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, pioneered the creation of Corbevax, a protein sub-unit vaccine. Notably, this vaccine was unique because it was not patented, making it accessible for wider production and distribution.

Global Recognition and Ethical Acknowledgment

India's Biological E was granted the license to manufacture Corbevax. In a remarkable turn of events, the developers of this vaccine were nominated for the Nobel Prize for Peace in February 2022. Their nomination was based on their exceptional efforts in developing and disseminating an affordable COVID-19 vaccine without patent restrictions. This initiative received praise from Kenya’s Ambassador to the United Nations, recognizing the developers for their ethical and scientific leadership in addressing the global healthcare crisis.

Conclusion

Researchers should not be criticized for seeking financial gain from their efforts. Nevertheless, the mRNA vaccine narrative amid the COVID-19 crisis raised questions about their altruism. Despite the potential to benefit everyone during the pandemic, the technology's utilization fell short. Therefore, it is crucial for history to accurately document the events of the pandemic and contrast them with the narrative presented by the 2023 Nobel Prize in Medicine, highlighting any disparities.

Source – The Hindu