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Published on: Jul 17, 2020
2 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

MRNA Vaccine Against SARS CoV2

An mRNA Vaccine against SARS CoV2

We have previously discussed vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. On the 14th of July, a preliminary study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, an internationally reputable medical journal. This study looks at mRNA vaccines in Phase 1 human clinical trials, a first for the virus. Here we will discuss what this means and the results of the study.

mRNA vaccine

Vaccines target the immune system’s memory by presenting them with pieces of these infective diseases. The small amounts do not cause any infective symptoms, but if the person is infected later in life their body will mount a quicker response and prevent them from falling ill. These vaccines can contain broken up parts of the organisms, “dead” organisms or “live” versions that have been severely weakened so they cannot cause any harm.

In 2018 a new type of vaccine was described. Instead of using pre-made protein markers that identify infectious organisms, mRNA vaccines contain genetic material with instructions to produce these markers. Once injected, the person’s cells use these instructions to produce copies of these protein markers. These markers are displayed on the surface of the cell, which in turn is recognized by the immune system, initiating an immune response and producing protective antibodies.

BENEFITS

A major advantage of RNA vaccines is the ease by which they can be made in a laboratory from a DNA template. During a pandemic, this would result in a rapid response and vaccine against a new disease. Conventional vaccines require the use of chicken eggs or cells to produce the vaccines, which can be expensive and time-consuming. These vaccines can be delivered via injections into the skin, blood, muscle, or organs, needle-free into the skin, or via nasal spray. Because these vaccines are so new, we still do not know the best way to deliver it.

Because these vaccines are not made with parts of infective organisms or from live organisms, they are not infectious and will not cause harm through a strong immune response to the vaccine itself, or by causing the disease they aim to vaccinate against. They also appear to be very efficient at generating a reliable immune response to produce antibodies and are well tolerated with few side effects.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

Because these types of vaccines are so new there is still a lot we do not understand about them. They may cause unintended effects that we have not yet encountered in human clinical studies. These vaccines also need to be frozen or refrigerated, and so would not be suitable for countries with limited or no refrigeration facilities.

COVID

The SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine codes for one of the virus’ surface spike proteins, responsible for recognizing target cells and fusing the virus into the cell for entry and infection. It was previously recognized as a target for the SARS and MERS viruses.

45 participants received 2 intramuscular injections 28 days apart. None of the participants had any serious side effects after the first injection, or any side effects significant enough to stop the trial. Many had minor to moderate side effects after their second injection (such as fatigue, chills, headache, myalgia, and pain at the injection site), and half the participants taking high dose vaccines had febrile side effects. Overall the side effects were rated as acceptable.

Prior to the vaccine trials, none of the participants had any antibodies against COVID, or any capacity to stop a COIVD infection. After the injections, all participants had noticeable increases in antibodies produced, measurable in their blood. After 43 days, the participant's blood had enough antibodies to reduce infection by SARS-CoV-2 by over 80%.

What is the takeaway? The vaccine is capable of producing an adequate response to protect the vaccine recipient without eliciting any major side effects. These results will be used in phase 2 clinical trials (enrolment began in May) and a phase 3 trial in July 2020. Essentially this means further human trials to further look for side effects in a larger number of volunteers with a more diverse health profile.

This represents an interesting development in producing a rapid vaccine against a new virus responsible for a world-changing pandemic. This new type of vaccine may be the future of vaccines for a broader range of viruses, bacteria, and even cancers.

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Digital Health in India: Transforming Care with Technology – SecondMedic

In India today, healthcare is not just happening inside hospitals - it’s happening on screens, through apps, and in homes. The wave of digital health is reshaping how millions of Indians access, engage with and manage their health. And at the forefront of this transformation is SecondMedic - bringing tech-enabled, human-centred care to you.

Why Digital Health Matters in India

India faces a unique healthcare challenge: a large and diverse population, uneven distribution of healthcare services, rising burden of chronic disease, and cost pressure. According to recent reports, the digital health market in India was valued at approx USD 8.79 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach about USD 47.81 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of ~17.7%. custommarketinsights.com+1 Another report estimates USD 16.11 billion market size in 2024, with a projected USD 76.01 billion by 2033 (CAGR ~18.8%). Imarc Group

These numbers indicate the depth of opportunity - but also the urgency of care innovation.

Key Drivers of the Digital Health Revolution

Internet & Smartphone Penetration: With more than a billion internet users and increasing mobile data access, more Indians can access digital health tools than ever before.
Government Initiatives: Programmes such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) are creating frameworks for unified health records and digital infrastructure. Grand View Research+1
Telemedicine Acceptance: The pandemic accelerated adoption - video consultations, e-prescriptions and remote care are now mainstream. GlobeNewswire+1
Rise of Health Tech Start-ups & Capital: India has attracted billions in venture funding for digital health innovation. Galen Growth
Chronic Disease Burden & Prevention Needs: With rising lifestyle diseases, digital tools for monitoring, prevention, and early intervention are vital.

How SecondMedic Delivers Digital Health

At SecondMedic, our vision of digital health encompasses more than technology - it’s about connecting people, data and care seamlessly. Here’s how:

Online Doctor Consultations: Talk to licensed doctors from home, get e-prescriptions, and follow up digitally.
Diagnostics at Home + Digital Reports: Book home sample collection, receive your reports online, and consult doctors based on results.
Digital Health Records: Your health history, test results, and prescriptions stored securely and accessible anytime.
Remote Monitoring & Chronic Care: Track BP, sugar, vitals via wearables or apps; get alerts and virtual support.
Preventive & Wellness Plans: Leverage digital assessments, personalised advice and follow-ups to stay ahead of illness.

Benefits for You & Your Family

More Accessible Care: Whether you’re in a metro or smaller town, digital health brings the doctor closer.
Time & Cost Savings: No long hospital visits; quicker decisions, less travel.
Continuity & Convenience: Care doesn’t stop at discharge - your health journey is tracked and managed digitally.
Empowered Patients: With health data and tools at your fingertips, you become an active participant in your healthcare.

Challenges & What Must Improve

While digital health offers promise, it’s not without hurdles:

Infrastructure Gaps: Rural regions may still face connectivity, device or digital literacy issues.
Data Privacy & Security: Ensuring health data is safely stored and used responsibly is essential.
Standardisation: Interoperability of health records, standard formats and integration across platforms remain a work in progress. arXiv+1
User Trust & Adoption: Some users remain sceptical of digital tools; building trust through reliable platforms is key.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Digital Health in India

The next phase of digital health will be characterised by:

AI & Predictive Analytics: Using big data to forecast disease risk, tailor treatment and improve outcomes.
Wearables & IoT: More connected devices tracking health in real time.
Integrated Ecosystems: Seamless flow between teleconsultation, diagnostics, pharmacy, monitoring and follow-up.
Inclusive Growth: Bringing digital health to underserved populations, remote areas and smaller towns.
Policy & Regulatory Maturation: Stronger frameworks, data governance and patient-centric policies.

Conclusion

Digital health in India is more than a technology trend - it’s the foundation of future-ready healthcare. For patients, it means access, convenience, and continuous care. For the healthcare system, it means efficiency, scalability and innovation.

At SecondMedic, we are committed to integrating technology with compassion - making sure that your health is managed smarter, digitally and with a human touch.

Start your digital health journey today at www.secondmedic.com.

Real Data & References

India digital health market valued at USD 8.79 billion in 2024, projected to reach USD 47.81 billion by 2033. custommarketinsights.com+1
India digital health market valued at USD 14.50 billion in 2024, projected to reach USD 106.97 billion by 2033 (CAGR ~25.12%). Grand View Research
India’s digital healthcare sector estimated to grow from USD 2.7 billion in 2022 to USD 37 billion by 2030. B Capital
India’s digital health records market size at USD 1.1 billion in 2024, projected at USD 1.5 billion by 2033. Imarc Group

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