Nasal spray COVID-19 vaccine a 'game-changer'

A team of Australian scientists is researching whether the COVID-19 vaccine could be delivered via a nasal spray instead of injection.

The nasal spray technology, called NanoCelle, does not require a doctor or refrigeration before it is administered.

If successful it would ease demand being placed on GPs and pharmacists amid the vaccine rollout.

Medlab Clinical obtained a New South Wales Government grant for developing a proof-of-concept NanoCelle Nasal RNA vaccine in January. They will work in partnership with the University of NSW and Macquarie University.

Medlab CEO Dr Sean Hall said the potential vaccine is a "game-changer" and hopes it can be used for COVID-19 potential epidemics in future.

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"The ability to prove the efficacious delivery of vaccines without the 'jab' is a serious game-changer to modern medicine," he said.

"We are thrilled to be part of this and welcome the potential commercial opportunities ahead."

Patented by the company in 43 nations, NanoCelle is a sub-micron delivery platform leveraged to improve therapeutics.

Nation-wide 93.8 per cent of people aged 16 and over have had their second dose, while 9,371,322 people over the age of 16 have received more than two doses.