Challenges and Progress in Vaccine Development for COVID-19 Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2): A Review

Abstract

Coronavirus Infectious Disease (COVID-19) has taken heavy toll on human lives and world economy across the globe. Till date, there is no specific treatment and pathological effects in COVID-19 are continuously evolving. The governments and authorities have announced various measures for personal care with use of face masks, physical distancing and prohibition of mass gatherings. These measures have certainly helped to contain the disease but with substantial economic slowdown. Thus mass immunization by vaccination is the top priority. With knowledge of MERS-SARS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) in hand, researchers are rushing to vaccine development against SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) with newer technological platforms. However, the challenge lies in proving safety, quality and efficacy of vaccine with its resilience to manufacture it in large scales within stipulated time frame. The time consuming nature of classical phased clinical trials are substituted by human volunteer challenge with vaccination of humans engaging undertrial vaccine. This review discusses about various technology platforms being used and tried, their types and challenges in development of vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. Briefly, Indian perspective is also discussed in the race of vaccine development.